New International Alliance to Protect Plant Biosafety and Food Security
An international alliance focused on science and technology innovation in plant protection was recently established in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Its goal is to promote global collaboration in ensuring plant health and securing food supply.
Formation and Founding Organizations
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) International Alliance of Science and Technology Innovation in Plant Protection was jointly initiated by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Institute of Plant Protection and the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), a nonprofit dedicated to agricultural and environmental challenges.
Event and Participants
The alliance emerged from the 2nd International Symposium on Plant Biosafety, co-hosted by CAAS and CABI. This symposium brought together over 250 experts and scholars representing 18 countries and more than 40 domestic institutions, all focused on enhancing global cooperation for plant biosafety.
Key Statements
Sun Tan, vice-president of the academy, emphasized, "Plant pests and diseases are the major threats to biosafety, causing 20 to 40 percent annual yield losses and more than $220 billion in global economic damage."
He added that plant biosafety is now a critical strategic concern impacting worldwide food security and sustainable agricultural progress. The academy plans to strengthen international ties in biosafety research, improve collaborative frameworks, and advance shared innovation platforms.
Daniel Elger, CEO of CABI, remarked on the productive partnership between China and CABI over the past 30 years.
Summary
This newly launched alliance marks a significant step toward global cooperation in plant protection, addressing critical challenges to food security and agricultural sustainability through innovation and collaborative research.