CPM approves transition of Implementation Review and Support System to the IPPC Observatory

Rome, 12 April 2022. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) has approved the transition of the International Plant Protection Convention's (IPPC's) Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS) to the IPPC Observatory, during the CPM-16 meeting that is taking place virtually on 5,7, 21 April 2022. The IPPC Observatory will be a sustainably funded system aimed at improving contracting parties’ implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and CPM recommendations.

The IRSS was initially established to verify contracting parties’ compliance with the IPPC and to gauge uptake of the ISPMs. Adopted at the third CPM session in 2008, the IRSS was designed to identify gaps in implementation and address them through assistance and facilitation. The IRSS programme has been implemented by the IPPC Secretariate on a project cycle basis since 2011 and funded mainly by the European Commission. The current third cycle funding ends in May 2022.

In October 2020, the IPPC Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) proposed options to move IRSS from a project-driven activity to a system integrated within the IPPC Secretariat. The proposal was for the IPPC Observatory to have multiple funding sources, a clearer purpose, a long-term vision, and work and communications plans that are not necessarily tied to a project life cycle.

The move thus signals a name change and a new identity so that contracting parties can be better informed on how they can benefit and contribute to the work of the IPPC Observatory. The transition allows the IPPC Observatory to have a more focused scope. It will continue to monitor implementation, identify challenges, and best practices, and provide recommendations to the CPM to address implementation issues. The IPPC Observatory will, however, relinquish IRSS’s previous support function.

With an allocated base funding from the IPPC Secretariat and with dedicated full-time staff, the IPPC Observatory will function better under the IPPC Secretariat while being guided by the IC Sub-group. A three-year work plan, a resource mobilization plan and a communications strategy adapted to target audiences will be in place to guide the IPPC Observatory’s work.

“We are very pleased that the CPM has approved the IC’s recommendations for the IRSS to transition to the IPPC Observatory,” said Sarah Brunel, IPPC Implementation and Facilitation Unit Officer-in-Charge of daily matters.

“Contracting parties can expect a more efficient and harmonized mechanism for monitoring the implementation of standards and CPM recommendations every 3-5 years. Through a streamlined process, contracting parties will also be able to submit new topics on which the IPPC Observatory can conduct in-depth studies.

“Under the IPPC Observatory, survey designs will be improved and data collection will be streamlined. Results of surveys and studies, including best practices and key messages will be communicated in a timely manner so that contracting parties can use the information to develop or adjust their national phytosanitary plans. The results of surveys will thus be more readily available to help improve implementation of the Convention, its standards and CPM recommendations,” Sarah Brunel added.

The IPPC Observatory will be guided by core principles including transparency, impartiality and independence, work plan-driven and based on set terms of reference, and espouse continuous improvement based on feedback. In addition, the IPPC Observatory will contribute to measure the achievements and realization of the objectives in the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020-2030 by collecting baseline data and through ongoing monitoring.

Related information:

IPPC Implementation Review and Support System

Options for transitioning to more sustainable system (CPM-16 paper)