IPPC Regional Workshop for the Pacific 2015)

The Workshop was organized by the Pacific Plant Protection Organization (PPPO) for 29-31 July 2015, with the participation of representatives from 19 National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) in that region. The Workshop was funded with assistance from the Pacific Horticultural and Market Access project (PHAMA), and financed by the Australian Government s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Workshop was co-chaired by PPPO Secretary, Mr Josua Wainiqolo and PPPO Chairman, Mr Ngatoko Ngatoko with the support of the IPPC Secretariat representative, Mrs. Ana Peralta. The objectives of the Workshop were:

1. to learn how to analyze draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and to formulate productive comments using the examples of draft ISPMs for member consultation in 2015;
2. to build phytosanitary capacity, raise awareness on all activities related to the IPPC and among others, and updates on ISPM 15 registration, submission of formal objections to standards, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, International Year of Plant Health and e-Phyto; and
3. to exchange experiences at the regional level on surveillance, emerging pests and other issues of joint interest.

The participants highly appreciated the results of the activities of the workshop and shared a significant amount of information in terms of joint positions on draft standards, updated information on national surveillance programs and fulfillment of national reporting obligations. The training activities developed were key not only to support the development of capacities at national level, but also to support the adoption of informed decisions in the next meeting of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures in 2016.