Lesson 3: Functions of the IPPC

Topic 1: Technical Capacity Building

New or prospective IPPC members might be interested to learn about the core functions of the IPPC, which include technical capacity building, information exchange, dispute settlement, and standard setting.

Objectives:

  • Describe the IPPC’s role in providing technical assistance
  • Describe the purpose of the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) tool
Technical Capacity Building

Contracting parties to the IPPC agree to provide technical assistance to other members to facilitate the implementation of the Convention. In particular, the Convention encourages members to support developing countries in order to improve the effectiveness of their National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and to increase their potential to realize the benefits of safe trade. The Convention also encourages participation in Regional Plant Protection Organizations (RPPOs) and specifies the roles of RPPOs in delivering technical assistance and facilitating the implementation of ISPMs. The Secretariat assists developing countries to understand and implement trade-related principles of plant protection and harmonization of phytosanitary measures. The Secretariat also supports FAO technical cooperation programs and projects to strengthen plant-health infrastructures, and engages in multinational collaboration to upgrade phytosanitary procedures.

Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation tool (PCE)

The Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) is a self-assessment tool that member countries use to generate a snapshot of their phytosanitary strengths and weaknesses at a particular time, as the basis for planning phytosanitary capacity building. It was initiated as a pilot project in 1999 to help developing countries identify capabilities and specific areas of need in their phytosanitary systems, especially related to the formulation of national strategic plans and the justification of requests for technical assistance.

Here are some highlights of the PCE process:

  • Applied in over 80 countries
  • NPPOs may choose from 13 modules, according to their preferences
  • PCE is applied every 3–4 years, as recommended by the IPPC

The IPPC encourages members to provide technical assistance to other members to facilitate the implementation of the Convention, to improve the effectiveness of National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), and to increase their capacity to realize the benefits of safe trade. The Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) is a self-assessment tool that member countries use to generate a snapshot of their phytosanitary strengths and weaknesses at a particular time, in order to plan for phytosanitary capacity building.

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