Family Farming Knowledge Platform

One Health: Addressing Transboundary Plant, Animal and Fish Pests and Diseases: A Case for Regional Cooperation

Efforts to build resilience and improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region are often challenged by the continuous threat of transboundary plant (including forests, hereinafter ‘plant’), animal and fish pests and diseases. Increased movement of people, plants and animals, accentuated by conflicts and crises in the region and lack of effective control measures and coordination multiply the risk of pathogens. In addition, climate change increases the risk of new pest and disease incidence and establishment. Because of limited capacities, inadequate quarantine and surveillance measures, funds and perception of risks towards transboundary pests and diseases and their food safety implications, many countries in the region have been unable to effectively implement and monitor, or take the required measures for prevention and control. FAO is pursuing the One Health approach, a coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary and crosssectoral effort to address potential or existing risks that originate at the animal-human-ecosystems interface, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in human and animal health, food safety, environment and climate change sectors. Building on a comprehensive regional analysis and a technical consultation with regional experts, this paper addresses the risk and impact of transboundary plant, animal and fish pests and diseases in the NENA region and the potential reflection of climate change on those threats. A proposal is presented to create a sustainable pest and disease management mechanism through the development of a regional cooperation programme, governed by a Steering Body (composed of NENA member countries and development partners) and supported and facilitated by FAO, while strengthening existing initiatives such as the Mediterranean Animal Health Network (REMESA) and the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO). The proposed programme is expected to boost regional and national collaboration through improved coordination, information sharing and early warning as well as to facilitate timely response to pest and disease incidence and outbreaks

Title of publication: FAO Regional Conference for the Near East
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Location: Rome, Italy, 7-11 May 2018
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Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
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Year: 2018
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Geographical coverage: Near East and North Africa
Type: Conference paper
Content language: English
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