FAO :: Locust Watch :: Information :: EMPRES
EMPRES programme in the Western, Central and Eastern Regions

Western Region

The EMPRES programme has recently commenced in the Western Region of the Desert Locust distribution area. There are nine frontline countries in West and Northwest Africa. The programme's activities and management and closely linked to the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO). Both EMPRES/WR and CLCPRO are located in Algiers.

Central Region

The EMPRES programme was initiated in mid 1994 in the Central Region of the Desert Locust distribution area. This is the region where most Desert Locust plagues have originated in the past. The nine frontline countries along both sides of the Red Sea and in the Arabian Peninsula are included in the programme. The third and probably the last phase of EMPRES will finish at the end of 2006. By this time, programme activities will have been handed over to the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) in order to ensure sustainability. There are 16 member countries in the CRC with a secretariat based in Cairo.

Eastern Region

Although the EMPRES programme has yet to reach the Eastern Region (South-West Asia), the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC) is active in the four Member Countries (Afghanistan, India, Iran and Pakistan).