Transboundary plant pests and diseases (TPPDs) are migratory pests that pose a significant threat to food security, trade, and livelihoods of people in the affected countries, and generate huge losses of crops and pastures. Preventive measures, early action, and long-term solutions are essential for protecting crops and pastures from TPPDs.
FAO's Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases team (NSPMD) constantly monitors and provides early warning and support to manage and curb the spread of TPPDs while promoting cooperation between countries. We advise member states on the best course of action to manage TPPDs for preventing and controlling their spread.
FAO and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases
FAO promotes sustainable and ecological approaches to prevent and control the potential impact of TPPDs through continuous monitoring, early warning, and the promotion of innovative and environmentally friendly preventive control strategies that are sustainable.
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Monitoring and Early Warning
The development and continuous innovation of surveillance and monitoring systems have allowed FAO and countries to improve data collection, early warning, and management of Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases (TPPDs). These systems consist of data collection tools, satellite imagery, weather predictions, models, geographic information systems and drones for monitoring locusts. These technologies have allowed FAO to produce tailor-made systems and applications to help manage TPPS.
The combined usage and analysis of field data, satellite imagery and models allows FAO to predict the spread of pests and diseases and identify the best course of action.
FAO's Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS)
NSPMD operates a centralized Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) that monitors the desert locust situation worldwide on a daily basis. DLIS continuously analyzes weather and environmental conditions to assess locust development, breeding and migration. It leverages nearly 100 years of historical data along with the latest innovative technologies to provide accurate and timely situation updates, forecasts and warnings. DLIS, initially established in the 1930s in the the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and later transferred to FAO, has been producing forecasts, alerts and more than 500 monthly Desert Locust Bulletins since the late 1970s.
Desert locust capacity building
Three FAO Desert Locust Regional Commissions have been providing continuous support to 31 desert locust-affected countries since the early 1960s. NSPMD coordinates and supports the work of these commissions: the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO), Central Region (CRC) and South-West Asia (SWAC).
NSPMD staff members serve as Executive Secretaries for each Commissions.
The Commissions are tasked with strengthening the national capacities of Member Nations in early warning and preventive control strategies. These efforts include activities such as survey and control operations, reporting, training, contingency planning, and human/environmental safety standards.
NSPMD also serves as the Secretariat of the Desert Locust Control Committee (DLCC) which was first established in 1955, as the primary forum for bringing together locust-affected countries, donors, and other stakeholders to discuss desert locust management. It defines global prevention strategies and approaches, which are then implemented at both regional and national levels.
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