Protecting Plant Health: New Legislation to Boost Phytosanitary Capacity in Cambodia and Sri Lanka
In a significant step toward bolstering plant health, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), under the FAO-China South-South Cooperation (SSC) programme, held a series of workshops on phytosanitary protection inthe Asia region. The workshops titled "Strengthening the capacity of developing contracting parties to implement the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and its standards", were held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, in December 2023. The overall aim of the programme is to increase the capacity of developing countries to implement the IPPC effectively.
With over 45 participants from various Asian countries in each session, the workshops focused on the Sustainable Prevention and Management of Banana and Mango Pests and Diseases, reflecting a concerted effort to address specific agricultural challenges through international collaboration. The results achieved under the SSC, which include the legal support delivered by the FAO Development Law Service, were also reported.
In Cambodia, a draft proclamation aimed at regulating phytosanitary inspections at borders was presented. This piece of legislation is designed to establish a clear procedure for the inspection of plants and plant products, assigning specific responsibilities to the plant health and customs authorities. The new legislation ensures that all plants and plant products undergo phytosanitary inspection, promoting compliance with the IPPC and safeguarding against the introduction of plant pests and diseases.
Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the workshop unveiled amendments to the existing Plant Protection Act. The proposed amendments, which would repeal and replace Act No. 35 of 1999, address areas in need of improvement in the current legal framework: the establishment of a national plant protection organization; enhanced provisions on importation and exportation; pest risk analysis; pest surveillance, and administrative penalties for violations. This legal overhaul is expected to bring Sri Lanka's plant protection legislative framework in line with global standards.
The legislative efforts made in these two countries underscorethe importance of international cooperation in the fight against plant pests and diseases. FAO continues to uphold itscommitment to implementing the IPPC across the developing world.
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