How we do it

Photo: R. Ivess

International travel and trade are greater than ever before — and as people and commodities move around the world, organisms that present risks to plants travel with them. Pest introductions cost governments, farmers and consumers billions every year. Once pest species are established their eradication is often impossible, and controlling them takes up a significant percentage of the cost of producing food. The IPPC allows countries to analyze risks to their national plant resources and to use science-based measures to safeguard their cultivated and wild plants. The IPPC is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), which meets annually to promote cooperation to help implement the objectives of the IPPC. In particular, the CPM:

• reviews the state of plant protection around the world;
• identifies action to control the spread of pests into new areas;
• develops and adopts international standards;
• establishes rules and procedures for resolving disputes;
• establishes rules and procedures for the sharing of phytosanitary information; and
• cooperates with international organizations on matters covered by the Convention.

How can you participate

Contracting parties participate in implementing the IPPC through:

• involvement in standard setting activities;
• the implementation of standards and ISPMs;
• involvement in Commission on Phytosanitary Measures meetings;
• membership of international organizations;
• membership of Regional Plant Protection Organizations;
• participation through National Plant Protection Organizations;
• involvement in phytosanitary capacity building;
• sharing of technical information, experience and expertise; and
• supporting the IPPC Secretariat by making financial or in kind donations.