Launch of a workshop on enhancing cooperation among Mediterranean countries in the field of plant health
Nouakchott
Today, Tuesday, the third regional workshop began in Nouakchott, lasting for two days, on strengthening cooperation between Mediterranean countries in the field of plant health, with the participation of Maghreb countries and five southern European countries: France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain.
This workshop, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty in cooperation with the Mediterranean Network for Plant Health, aims to strengthen cooperation and partnership, and to exchange information and expertise in the field of plant health.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Mr. Ahmed Salem Ould Al-Arabi, stated in a speech on the occasion that the Mediterranean region is facing increasing challenges due to climate change, the spread of cross-border plant pests, and the growing trade in plant products. He added that it is from this perspective that this workshop is being organized to serve as a platform for coordinating efforts and strengthening joint work, contributing to the protection of plant heritage and ensuring the safety of agricultural products.
He also pointed out the special attention that His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, gives to the agriculture and food sovereignty sector in our country, which has been embodied by the Government of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Mr. Mokhtar Ould Dahi, in programs and projects.
He stated that this workshop represents a real opportunity to exchange experiences and expertise among the participating countries and to establish clear foundations for effective cooperation that would enhance our countries’ capacities in addressing plant health risks and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural resources.
He extended his thanks to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for supporting the efforts of the concerned countries in the field of plant protection.
The official responsible for production and plant protection, Dr. Mohamed Al-Hadi Saydat, delivered a speech in which he emphasized that plant protection has become one of the fundamental pillars of food security, environmental preservation, and ensuring the competitiveness of agricultural systems.
He stated that about 40% of global agricultural production is lost annually due to pests and diseases. The economic losses resulting from invasive pests are estimated at more than 70 billion dollars annually.
The Director-General of the Euro-Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, Ms. Olga Teka, praised, via video conference, the initiative to organize this workshop among countries that share the same challenges in managing transboundary plant pests.
She stated that her organization works in this field according to specific standards, and that this workshop will enable joint efforts to address these challenges.
The Executive Director of the Regional Organization for Plant Health in the Near East and North Africa, Dr. Mohamed Habib Ben Jameh, highlighted the importance of coordinating regional efforts to tackle risks related to plant health.
He called for deepening the discussion to come up with serious recommendations that serve the work of the cooperation network in the field of plant health around the Mediterranean.
The opening ceremony of this workshop was held in the presence of the technical advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, in charge of developing agricultural crops and plant protection, and the Direct