News published: 24 October 2022

Between the 21-23 September, over 500 participants from around the globe, gathered at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London for the first International Plant Health Conference. A range of talks, presentations and discussions covered topics from forecasting climate-induced changes in pest species’ ranges to nature-based pesticide alternatives to pursuing equity in the global plant health sector and many issues besides. The opportunity to explore Kew Gardens with such a set of distinguished professionals proved a valued experience, providing a wonderful setting in which to talk over some of the challenges faced by botanic collections and what may lie in their future.

BGCI was represented at the Conference by Director of Global Programmes, Suzanne Sharrock, and by the IPSN Assistant Officer, Miles Kitching. Suzanne presented an engaging talk on the International Plant Sentinel Network as part of a symposium on plant health early warning systems. The Conference served as an excellent opportunity to introduce a range of plant health professionals to the IPSN, discuss the work of BGCI, learn more about plant health concerns around the world and strengthen promising global connections.

We have come away from this conference with new and enforced dialogues relating to the projects funded under the IPSN’s grant scheme, to potential relationships with Forest Research’s Observatree program and to botanic gardens having a stronger voice in future international plant health initiatives.

We were delighted to be a part of the proceedings and thank the organisers, particularly DEFRA, the FAO and the IPPC, for all that they did to arrange and hold the event. This first International Plant Health Conference was a great success and we eagerly look forward to the next.