International Day of Plant Health - 12 May 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is observed globally on May 12 every year.

An Overview of the News

• International Plant Health Day aims to raise awareness of the important role of protecting plant health in addressing hunger, poverty, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and economic growth.

• The theme for the 2024 IDPH is "Plant Health, Safe Trade, and Digital Technology."

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads the annual IDPH observance in partnership with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Background of International Day of Plant Health

• In March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution (A/RES/76/256) designating May 12th annually as the International Day of Plant Health.

• This declaration underscores the critical role of plant health in fostering sustainable agricultural development to meet the needs of the burgeoning global population by 2050.

• The inaugural celebration of the International Day of Plant Health took place on May 12th, 2022, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining plant health for global food security.

Key Facts About the FAO

• Its Director General is Dr. Qu Dongyu.

• Its headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.

• Established in 1945, FAO has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.