FAO Regional Webinar: Investing in plant biosecurity is a strategic step to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa held a regional webinar entitled “Strengthening Plant Biosecurity for Food Security in the NENA Region” on the occasion of the International Day of Plant Health 2026, which is being celebrated this year under the theme “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”.

The webinar brought together representatives from National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), regional and international organizations, research institutions, technical experts, and development partners to discuss the growing importance of plant biosecurity in protecting food security, safe trade, resilient agrifood systems, and sustainable development across the region.

In his opening video message, Mr. Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, emphasized that plant biosecurity is no longer solely a technical issue, but a strategic regional priority closely linked to food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods.

He stressed that transboundary plant pests and diseases continue to place increasing pressure on agricultural production, trade, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, particularly in a region already facing climate change, water scarcity, and heavy dependence on food imports.

The webinar highlighted the urgent need to strengthen prevention-oriented plant biosecurity systems through improved surveillance, early warning, diagnostics, preparedness, rapid response capacities, and stronger regional cooperation.

During the webinar, Mr. Ahmad Mukhtar, Senior Economist at FAO-RNE, underlined the economic value of investing in plant biosecurity systems, noting that prevention and preparedness are significantly more effective and less costly than emergency response and recovery efforts.

"Investing in plant health is a strategic investment in food security, resilient agricultural food systems, and safe trade, especially since up to 40% of global crop production is lost annually due to pests & diseases causing $220B in economic losses worldwide” he said.

In the keynote presentation, Mr. Thaer Yaseen, Plant Protection Officer at FAO-RNE, emphasized the importance of integrated plant biosecurity systems and coordinated regional action to address emerging and transboundary plant health threats across the NENA region.

The high-level panel discussion brought together experts from regional and international organizations, including EPPO, CIHEAM Bari, IVIA, and AU-IAPSC, who shared perspectives on phytosanitary coordination, surveillance and early warning systems, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration.

The discussions reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, information sharing, and integrated approaches to strengthen preparedness and resilience against emerging plant health threats.

The webinar also highlighted the NENA Plant Health Strategy 2025–2035 as an important regional framework for advancing plant health, strengthening prevention-oriented plant biosecurity systems, and enhancing regional cooperation.

At the conclusion of the webinar, participants called for stronger investment in plant biosecurity systems, enhanced regional collaboration, and strengthened technical capacities to support more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the NENA region.