In the light of the current pandemic situation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked that 2020 is also the International year of plant health. In regard to this, the organization held a webinar on the topic of Forest Invasive Species: the next global pandemic?

The course, which was held during July 2020, was exclusively online and HOMED experts – Prof. Mike Wingfield, had the opportunity to guest lecture the event. In recognition of the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020, Prof. Wingfield, who is associated with FABI, University of Pretoria, South Africa, introduced the issue of tree health, as well as what lessons can be learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Aspects of how one can prevent the spread of invasive species and whether national and regional capacity building is possible, were discussed during the webinar. The participants were also able to enhance a better understanding of which measures against invasive species are considered to be environmentally friendly.

Promotional material for the webinar on Forest Invasive Species: the next global pandemic?