Rome, Italy (1 July 2025) – As plant pests continue to haunt farmers and hamper food production, Solomon Islands is committed to protect plants and take actions to prevent the spread of plant pests. International legal instruments, such as Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific Region (APPPC) is one of the ways to collectively address this agrifood challenge.
The Solomon Islands has now accepted the 1983 amendment on mandatory contributions to the APPPC. It became one of only five FAO Members to have accepted all amendments from 1983 and 1999. Together with other 18 member nations from Asia Pacific, Solomon Islands is committed to implement this treaty, which was established in 1956.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock of the Solomon Islands, the Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi deposited the instrument of acceptance of these amendments to FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu at FAO’s inaugural Treaty Ceremony. FAO is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations headquartered in Rome.
“This is the testament to our commitment in protecting plants from pests. It means protecting farmers from losses and making sure food remains available for all of us,“ said the Minister.
Pests and diseases are a severe threat to food security, trade and livelihoods globally. According to FAO, every year, up to 40 percent of crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases. Meanwhile, plants make up 80 percent of our daily calories and are responsible for 98% of the oxygen we breathe.
“Each deposit is a powerful sovereign act, contributing to joint action to the benefit of people and the planet, in line with FAO’s mandate,” the Director-General said.
The event, a first at FAO, took place on the margins of the 44th Session of the FAO Ministerial Conference (28 June – 4 July). The Ceremony witnessed 10 countries formally deposited legal instruments related to some of the 17 treaties adopted under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. These treaties provide frameworks for cooperation in areas such as animal health, plant protection, fisheries, aquaculture, and desert locust control. They also help ensure that countries work together to address threats that transcend borders and require shared technical solutions.
Solomon Islands was the lone participant from the Pacific Islands region during the ceremony and signifies the efforts of Solomon Islands to recognize the importance of protecting its farmer through protecting plants from introduced pests.
Speaking after the ceremony, Minister Wasi expressed satisfaction, “as a first-time attendee at this high-level Ministerial Conference representing Solomon Islands, I am proud to be able to deposit the instrument of acceptance”, he remarked.
Source: MAL Press Release
