Eight Developing Countries Have Started Using the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation Thanks to IPPC

The IPPC staff has facilitated the use of the Phytosanitary (plant health) Capacity Evaluation (PCE) in eight developing countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Burundi, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mozambique and Oman) around the world over the past year. The PCE generates a snapshot of a country''s phytosanitary capacity at a particular time, as the basis for planning phytosanitary capacity building. The PCE process also provides a framework for rational strategic planning to prioritize activities/resources to fill gaps and enhance the effectiveness of the overall phytosanitary system. Through the PCE process a strategic framework is developed that provides the basis for dialogue with donors of development aid, and thus improve the likelihood of access to further funding. The World Trade Organization''s Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) as a donor of technical assistance also requires a PCE to be performed as a pre-condition in assessing fitness for funding of project proposals submitted for consid­eration to its Working Group. This critical planning tool is being evaluated for adoption by Codex Alimentarius assistance efforts as well.