Insect Pest Control - Information and Knowledge Management

The Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture plays a key role in the dissemination of nuclear and related technology information by providing Member States with factual, comprehensive and current information about strategies, techniques, products and processes in the topics of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).

The Insect Pest Control Subprogramme provides technical support to Member States through:

International Standard-Setting

These are normative activities in order to promote the development and application of international sanitary and phytosanitary standards under the International Plant Protection Convention, and other regional and international standard-setting bodies.

Scientific and Technical Information

Supporting the collection, compilation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of new technical developments and knowledge in AW-IPM and SIT, collating technical information to maintain relevant databases, and publishing books and scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals. Such information serves to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of the integration of nuclear and genetic pest control techniques in area-wide integrated pest management programmes.

Strategic Advice

Contributing to the direction of strategic thinking on insect pest control in influential animal health and plant protection organizations, academic entomological research, teaching institutions and policy and decision-makers by organizing consultant and expert meetings, seminars, symposia and international conferences. Also by conducting technical feasibility, pest risk assessments and cost-benefit studies of different pest control alternatives and strategic options for a better planning and implementation of AW-IPM programmes.

Policies and procedures

Elaborating guidelines and standard operational procedures for the different components of AW-IPM programmes, and by supporting the international harmonization and standardization of critical procedures such as quality assurance protocols. Also participating in supervisory committees and advisory boards to review ongoing AW-IPM programmes in developing and developed State Members.

Networking

Reinforcing contacts among colleagues and institutions of Member States through websites, production and dissemination of newsletters and annual reports.

Public information

Promote at the level of the general public as well as for the popular scientific audience the benefits of the integration of nuclear and genetic pest management techniques in the control of insect pests of agriculture, livestock and human health through the production and dissemination of videos, brochures, posters, and articles in popular magazines.