Plants are life – they provide 80% of our food and 98% of our oxygen. However, international travel and trade can lead to the introduction and spread of plant pests to new areas. Invasive alien pests are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, threatening the delicate web of life that our planet depends on. Rising global temperatures can also lead to pests and diseases, which provide a breeding ground for pests to multiply and spread. The resulting increase in pesticide use will further endanger pollinators, natural enemies of pests and organisms that are critical to the health of the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to protect plant health through environmentally friendly practices such as integrated pest management. In addition, implementing International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) in trade can also help prevent the introduction of plant pests to new areas and their spread across borders.
International Day of Plant Health 2024: Plant Health, Trade Security and Digital Technologies
More than 240 million containers move between countries each year, carrying a variety of goods, including plant products, posing a risk to biosecurity. In addition, about 80% of internationally traded goods contain wood packaging material, which provides a pathway for pests to spread. Invasive alien pests cause economic losses of approximately $220 billion worldwide each year. Therefore, it is necessary to protect plant health across borders by promoting global cooperation and promoting international standards, including the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM). Innovative solutions such as electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto) simplify trade procedures and ensure fast and safe customs clearance of goods.
International Day of Plant Health 2024 calls on everyone to raise awareness and take action to protect plant health, ensure food safety and trade security, and ensure sustainable livelihoods while ensuring sustainable economic development.
Why establish the International Day for Plant Health?
The United Nations has designated May 12 as the International Day for Plant Health, striving to raise global awareness of how protecting plant health can help eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and promote economic development. The International Day for Plant Health is an important outcome of the 2020 International Year of Plant Health.
