14th Technical Consultation between RPPOs
Marrakech, MA, 2002-12-09/13
The 14th Technical Consultation between RPPOs was held in Marrakech (MA). This was the first time that this meeting between the representatives of Regional Plant Protection Organizations was held in Africa. Representatives from APPPC, CAN, COSAVE, IAPSC, NAPPO, OIRSA and PPPO took part, together with 15 participants from EPPO countries. Participants were able to remain in Marrakech for the EPPO Workshop for Phytosanitary Inspectors on the theme of "Inspection of nurseries" which immediately followed the Technical Consultation, and to enjoy the technical visits and social programme which were very kindly organized by the Moroccan RPPO.
The concerns expressed at the previous Technical Consultation in Auckland (NZ) on the decreased use of methyl bromide were taken up. It was noted that RPPOs should identify and defend methyl bromide treatments as phytosanitary measures for essential uses. A statement on this issue was drafted for consideration by the ICPM. Regarding ISPM n°15, "Guidelines for regulating wood packaging in international trade", the Technical Consultation recommended that countries should continue to take steps towards implementation without using the logo. Draft specification for three ISPMs, on "Requirements for consignments in transit", "low pest prevalence" and "integrated measures for citrus canker" were examined. It was stressed that ISPMs should be written in less complex language.
In general, the role of the Technical Consultation was reviewed and a summary was prepared of its achievements since 1989. It was proposed now to develop an action programme for RPPOs to support implementation of ISPMs by their members.