Madagascar signs up to the International Convention for Plant Protection (ICPP)

The CIPV and Madagascar

Madagascar, by opening it self up to international trade, has to respect the phytosanitarymeasures required by importing countries. By joining the ICPP, Madagascar willnow be able to:

• Improve its plant health system by respecting the standards set by the ICPP.
• Benefit from the latest information on phytosanitary standards.
• Prevent introduction of vegetable pests to Madagascar and in importing countries by strengthening the defense system and thus avoid ecological disasters.

For Madagascar, the next step will be to align its phytosanitary laws to those ofthe Indian Ocean and Europe. This will streng then defenses against pests while developing trade between these countries. This was achieved in 2008, which the completion of the Regional Program of Plant Protection (PRPV) whose goals included aligning phytosanitary legislation among member countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles).

The ICPP at a glance

The International Convention for Plant Protection Convention (ICPP) is a treatyaimed to provide a synergistic and effective approach to prevent the spread and introduction of plant pests. The agreement dictates that member countries should adopt appropriate measures to prevent the introduction of vegetable pests.

The ICPP was enacted in 1951 by the Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at its sixth session. 177 member countries have adopted the treaty. It entered into force in 1979 with a revision in 1997. The revision brings the Convention in line with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Agreement defines the phytosanitary defense measures as measures used to:

• Protect plants against the risk of introduction, establishment or spread of pests, diseases, disease-carrying organisms or organisms which are a source of disease; and
• Prevent or limit damage due to the introduction, establishment or spread of pests;

The WTO ensures that its members align their phytosanitary defense measures. The Agreement requires that WTO members should base their phytosanitary defense measures on international standards developed by the International Conventionfor the Protection of Plants.