On 21 May 2018, the Banana Occupational Health and Safety Initiative saw the official launch of the Manual in Machala, Ecuador, which was chaired by the Minister of Labour, Minister of Agriculture, and FAO representatives, amongst others. The event resulted in the symbolic act of delivery of the Manual from the ministers to banana plantation workers, as well as the presentation of a new Ministerial Agreement. This was followed by a press conference for the media.

Working Group 02 coordinators have announced that the next in-person meeting of the working group will take place in Montreal, Canada, on 10 and 11 October 2018.

Following the launch of the Banana Occupational Health and Safety Initiative’s (BOHESI) Manual on Health and Safety for the Banana Industry in Ecuador, which took place in Machala, Ecuador, on 21 May 2018, training sessions are being delivered to public and private sector representatives.

To mitigate climate change, the WBF members contributing to WG01 produced a practical guide with a value-chain approach to reduce carbon and water footprints in banana plantations worldwide, including experiences from Costa Rica, leading country in GHG-emission reduction in the banana industry, aiming to replicate the lessons learned worldwide .

The subgroups have been officially presented and launched by their coordinators during a dedicated WG01 call on Monday 18 June 2018. They will allow a better allocation of expertise and resources as well as better coordination, and improved pace of action for the WG01.