Salalah: The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Regional Workshop for the Near East and North Africa region has commenced in Salalah, bringing together over 30 experts from 20 countries to focus on plant health advancements. The four-day event, held in Dhofar Governorate, addresses topics such as climate change, e-commerce impacts, and regional initiatives on strategic crop standards.
According to Oman News Agency, the workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources for Agriculture. The agenda includes discussions on the outcomes of the recent Commission on Phytosanitary Measures session, updates from the Standards and Implementation Committees, and insights from technical consultations on new international standards.
Participants will delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change and e-commerce, alongside regional efforts to develop standards for propagation materials of key crops like date palms, citrus fruits, and olives. The event will also highlight innovation through electronic phytosanitary certification and modern monitoring platforms.
A significant focus of the workshop is on reinforcing institutional and technical capabilities in laboratory diagnostics, early warning systems, and monitoring tools. These efforts aim to bolster responses to pest and disease threats. The gathering seeks to update national plant protection bodies on the latest IPPC developments, establish a unified regional position on draft international phytosanitary standards, and prepare recommendations for future consultations in 2025. Additionally, the workshop aims to enhance capacity building, raise awareness, and facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge across the region.