The Future of Global Plant Health Management in the 21st Century: A Planetary Health Perspective$

Abstract

As our population continues to grow and climate change presents new challenges, it is crucial to give priority to the health of our planet’s plants. We must ensure the well-being of our global plant resources to sustain and nourish a population that is expected to reach 10 billion in foreseeable future. Global plant health management plays a critical role in this effort, as it is closely tied to planetary health - the overall
well-being of our natural systems and their interaction with human societies. The forces of globalisation have facilitated the rapid spread of plant pests and diseases to new regions, while climate change is altering environmental conditions, impacting the distribution and prevalence of these threats not only in agriculture but also in forests and natural ecosystems. The intensification of agricultural practices and reliance on
a limited range of plant species to meet increasing food demand have heightened the risks of plant pests and diseases. Misuse of pesticides has exacerbated the issue, giving rise to resistant pests and diseases. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a concerted effort, leveraging technological advancements and developing policies and regulations to utilise these tools effectively. Collaborative actions involving
governments, international organisations, researchers, farmers, and industry stakeholders are imperative to address gaps in the current global governance system for plant health management. We need new institutions and mechanisms that leverage technological advancements to create a governance system capable of effectively responding to the changes and challenges of plant health in the realm of planetary health. To ensure outstanding plant health management in the 21st century and beyond, it is imperative that we embrace a comprehensive global strategy to safeguard our valuable plant resources. We should prioritise the immediate consideration and implementation of the following two recommendations:
1. Prepare a forward-thinking roadmap - Vision 2100 for Global Plant Health - that anticipates and addresses potential plant health challenges over the next century. This comprehensive plan should encompass proactive strategies and goals to prevent and mitigate the adverse impact of emerging threats, should they arise.
2. Establish a dedicated global body, the World Plant Health Organisation, with the sole purpose of safeguarding the health and well-being of our planet’s invaluable plant resources. This organisation will be responsible for coordinating international efforts, implementing effective measures, and fostering collaboration among nations to ensure optimal plant health management on a global scale. The future of global plant health management in the 21st century holds immense potential, provided we employ foresight, long-term vision, and wisdom as our guiding principles. Through collaborative efforts  and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and resilience, we can forge a future where plant health management harmoniously goes hand in hand with responsible stewardship of our precious natural resources and the overall well-being of our planet.