Iran and Pakistan are gearing up for the upcoming spring locust breeding season. To enhance preparedness, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is boosting the capabilities of Desert Locust Information Officers (DLIOs) in both countries. DLIOs are responsible for collecting field data, analyzing it, and producing monthly bulletins that summarize the locust situation and provide forecasts.

The FAO-China South-South Cooperation (SSC) Project has facilitated training of over 20 national plant protection and extension officers in Ghana, empowering them to sustainably manage Fall Armyworm (FAW) and, in turn, strengthen the country’s resilience against this destructive pest.

As Oman is keen to strengthen its capacity to address climate change and emerging biological threats, the country welcomed the integrated biosecurity index tool (IBI) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The tool will support Oman’s efforts to enhance its regulatory systems, assess biosecurity risks and develop effective response measures.

The updated version of the desert locust guidelines focusing on safety and environmental precautions has been released. These guidelines are designed to help manage desert locust control operations in a safe and sustainable manner, minimizing potential harm to both people and ecosystems.

At the 11th Session, member countries of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO) lauded the significant progress made in the collective fight against desert locust threats across the region. The Commission enhances national locust management capabilities while integrating advanced technologies.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provided expert support to India’s locust control efforts by conducting surveys of desert locust activity across the Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer districts, which are particularly vulnerable to locust swarms. Over the course of seven days, the team covered a total of 2 570 kilometers, inspecting 30 different survey points. While some areas showed no locust activity, isolated immature solitarious adults were spotted in other regions.

Locusts pose a severe threat to food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems, as their massive swarms can devour crops and pastures, leaving communities devastated. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) tackles this challenge through a comprehensive One Health approach, combining early warning systems and swift interventions to manage locusts while safeguarding both human and environmental health.

The 33rd Session and 37th Executive Committee Meeting of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) have opened in Kuwait, with call for increased regional cooperation, greater investments, and the adoption of digital innovations to effectively manage desert locusts.

Stakeholders from Ghana and Kenya joined experts from China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to share knowledge and train in innovative strategies to monitor and sustainably manage the fall armyworm (FAW) insect pest.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted students from the University of Florence, showcasing its efforts to protect and promote sustainable food systems. Through thematic sessions, postgraduate students from the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forestry explored FAO's work on managing transboundary plant pests, pesticide safety, international plant health standards and global cooperation for sustainable agriculture.