- CIHEAM Zaragoza organises an advanced course for participants from eight countries and the European Commission to address phytosanitary challenges in the Mediterranean
Zaragoza, 18 November 2024.- Officers from the European Commission and professionals from eight Mediterranean countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia and Türkiye) have participated in an advanced course at CIHEAM Zaragoza to gain deeper insight into the main strategies and latest advances in phytosanitary control of pests in the Mediterranean region.
The course, held from 11 to 15 November 2024, was organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). Over the five days of this training event, participants shared knowledge and experiences and discussed strategies to face common challenges posed by agricultural pests in their countries.
CIHEAM Zaragoza administrator and course coordinator Ramzi Belkhodja talks about the problem: “We need to strengthen the regional approach to tackle shared plant health challenges”. Belkhodja highlights the value of knowledge exchange between participants as one of the most enriching aspects of this initiative.
Course participants covered a wide range of profiles, from officers of the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission to professionals from public administrations, universities, research centres and private companies involved in pest management in several Mediterranean countries.
Practical work during the course included the identification of fungi, nematodes and arthropods (Tephritids, Coleoptera/Lepidoptera, Acari/Thysanoptera)
Key topics addressed during the course included harmonisation of phytosanitary control strategies and the latest technological advances in molecular diagnostics. The training combined theoretical sessions with practicals, where participants used microscopy methods to identify fungi, nematodes and arthropods, gaining direct experience in essential laboratory techniques.
International Cooperation in Phytosanitary Control
The course addressed phytosanitary control from a comprehensive and structured approach, integrating key concepts such as regional harmonisation, the impact of pests, and advanced inspection and diagnostic tools, ensuring a holistic understanding of the subject. Particular emphasis was placed on quarantine pests, dedicating significant time to their analysis from legal, institutional, and economic perspectives, which proved crucial for phytosanitary protection in the Mediterranean region. In addition, epidemiological factors and associated risks were examined in depth, highlighting the importance of assessing pest entry and establishment pathways and underscoring the need for preventive approaches in their management.
The use of advanced inspection and diagnostic tools, including multispectral cameras, standardised techniques, and laboratory networks, was also explored, demonstrating a strong commitment to modernisation and precision in phytosanitary control. Furthermore, the course provided a platform for the exchange of experiences through case studies and discussions. Finally, the importance of phytosanitary harmonisation in the Mediterranean region was emphasised, linking it to organisations such as the EPPO and other European initiatives, thereby reflecting the need for robust international cooperation in this field.
Impact on Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries
During the week-long course, specific challenges facing the Mediterranean region were addressed, demonstrating that phytosanitary control has the potential to make a significant impact on Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries by tackling regional challenges and strengthening their phytosanitary capacities:
- Improved Food Security
- Strengthened Technical Capacities
- Economic and Commercial Development
- Promotion of Regional Cooperation
- Environmental Protection
- Resilience to Climate Change
It is essential to develop local strategies to adapt the tools and methodologies learned to the specific conditions of each country. Similarly, institutional cooperation must be strengthened by creating regional networks that integrate Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries into European initiatives. Finally, investment in technology should be prioritised, ensuring access to modern diagnostic and monitoring tools that are vital for enhancing the effectiveness of phytosanitary actions.
Through this training initiative, CIHEAM Zaragoza reinforces its commitment to improving phytosanitary control, which is crucial for mitigating the economic and environmental impacts of pests on Mediterranean agriculture.