Organisers of the International Year of Plant Health 2020 are on the hunt for human interest stories concerning plant health. In particular, they are seeking stories that show how someone has contributed to plant health (farmer, public or private sector employee, student etc.), the damage caused by plant pests and diseases, and how plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment or boost economic development.
The year is being organised by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the International Plant Protection Convention. They note: “Plants are the source of the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and ultimately of all life on earth. The International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
“Despite their importance, plants and the importance of keeping them healthy are often ignored. We intend to change this by promoting real stories about how plant health affects the lives of a variety of people across sectors. Your story will be used to inspire people to take action – for example by encouraging people to refrain from taking fresh produce home after travelling abroad, calling on decision makers to allocate more resources to plant health institutions, or convincing farmers to adopt sustainable pest management practices.”
Besides story telling, IYPH 2020 suggests a number of other ways people can get involved. These include organising an IYPH event, with suggestions including marathons, concerts, shows, farmer forums, festivals, fairs or tree planting ceremonies. The organisers also suggest hosting a public lecture, panel or round table with government officials, educators, scientists, farmers and private sector representatives. A photo package and information materials will be available to give events more impact.
Other ways to become involved include an IYPH photo contest, due to be launched this month, and encouraging municipalities, outdoor advertisers, air and seaport authorities to display IYPH products (poster, banner and promotional video).
Special efforts will be made to involve younger people in IYPH as the organisers are preparing an Activity Book which can be incorporated into lessons and other activities. The organisers note: “Schools or youth centres can use this material to educate youth about the importance of plant health and how they can take simple actions to help keep plants safe. They can find out more about the strong links between plant health, environmental protection and climate change - all topics that will affect their future!”
Organisers are also encouraging people to engage with the media as this helps spread messages and draws attention to plant health issues. The organisers add: “You could even organize a plant health media workshop where journalists have a chance to meet and make contact with plant protection officers, scientists, researchers, etc. We are preparing a ‘Plant Health for Media Professionals’ brief to introduce them to the topic.”
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Last update: 24/05/2023 - ENDURE © 2009 - Contact ENDURE - Disclaimer