Harmonizing quarantine pest lists for a ASEAN Pest Database
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states face challenges in managing quarantine pest-related information due to fragmented data systems, inconsistent assessment methods, and limited coordination among National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). These gaps hinder timely responses to emerging pest threats and complicate regional efforts in evidence-based pest management. The Task Force on ASEAN Pest Database (TF-APD), has been established to create a regional platform for quarantine pest information, with CABI serving as the Technical Secretariat.
Strengthening taxonomy and plant health diagnostics across ASEAN
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, yet this biodiversity is increasingly threatened by invasive pests, diseases and environmental pressures. Limited capacity in classification (taxonomy) and diagnostics of pests and diseases have further consequences on biodiversity conservation, compliance with international agreements and access to regional and global trade. For member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Network on Taxonomy (ASEANET) has been created to support ASEAN countries. The network aims to close gaps in taxonomy, diagnostics and phytosanitary systems. These efforts will help to strengthen plant health systems, improve pest identification and support safe agricultural trade across ASEAN. Through ASEANET, CABI’s role as Technical Secretariat will support ASEAN member states by coordinating the network, facilitating collaboration and supporting training and knowledge sharing.
Developing sustainable business models using Earth Observation for climate adaptation
Increasing climate-related risks including extreme heat, drought and the high prevalence of pests and diseases puts agricultural and food systems under constant pressure. While new data and technologies, such as Earth Observation (EO), can help predict and prevent threats, it is not readily available. This project aims to close this gap by delivering a multi-service, multi-user platform that supports collaborative data sharing and application. The system will help to meet the challenges of adaptive agriculture, integrating data sets that address the exposure, hazards and vulnerability of individual commodity supply chains to climate-driven risks. CABI is leading on developing sustainable business and governance models, and a maize use case in Kenya that will help to understand user needs and challenges that EO data and analytics can help address.