1252. International Plant Health Day

We depend on plants for 80% of our food and 98% of the oxygen we breathe. However, it is estimated that 20% to 40% of this is lost due to pests and diseases. With the increase in the movement of people and goods, the risk of plant pests spreading to new areas is also increasing.

Plant health is the foundation of food security and is interconnected with the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Healthy plants provide nutritious food for humans and animals and contribute to promoting balanced ecosystems. On the other hand, plants infected with pests and diseases can have a cascading negative impact on food supply and cause the outbreak of zoonotic diseases through harmful pathogens. Pesticides play an important role in pest management, but excessive use and improper management can lead to biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, ecosystem dysfunction, food safety concerns, and pesticide resistance.

Preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases to new areas is crucial to address global challenges such as food security, hunger, and environmental conservation.

The United Nations designated May 12 as the International Day of Plant Health to raise international awareness of the important role that plant health plays in eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, protecting biodiversity and the environment, and promoting economic development.

(Reference links)
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/syouan/syokubo/keneki/220502.html
https://www.fao.org/plant-health-day/en

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Information Program