Protocol for surveillance of forest and tree pests in West and Central Africa

This draft protocol has been prepared to guide regional and national phytosanitary practitioners in West and Central Africa to develop and implement forest and tree pest and disease surveillance programmes. The protocol has been drafted cognizant of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the various guidelines of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). After the introduction, the requirements and strategies for pest surveillance, including the roles of regional (RPPOs) and national (NPPOs) plant protection organizations in the sub region are discussed. General requirements for surveillance programmes in the region will include information and data management, stakeholder participation in information collection, database creation and management, and information sharing across jurisdictions. The protocol also provides highlights on strategies and guidelines for undertaking specific surveys at   national and regional levels. Lastly, requirements for diagnostic services, capacity development, research and development, funding as well as advocacy and awareness creation have been provided.