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implementation of the Convention in a relatively short time frame, via desk studies or surveys.
Examples of topics currently underway include a study on e-Commerce, to show how online
transactions have evolved since a similar study was conducted over a decade ago (2012). As we
know, e-Commerce transactions have exploded in the last decade, even more so during the pandemic
years. No surprises here. What is less known is how this trend has impacted plant health, as it is
suspected that a significant number of parcels in circulation worldwide may actually contain prohibited
or regulated articles, such as plant seeds.

Another Observatory topic is the design and distribution of the third IPPC general survey. Two general
surveys have been conducted to date (in 2012 and 2016), and a third survey was being planned for
distribution but the pandemic disrupted these efforts. The IC Sub-Group in charge of the Observatory
determined it would be best to wait for NPPO activities to go back to some normality so that the survey
provides data that can be easily compared with its pre-pandemic predecessors.
Finally a study on the use of the IPPC Diagnostic Protocols (DPs) is being conducted to attempt to
answer the following questions: are DPs widely used by the IPPC Community? How widely and what
are the preferred language versions used? This is important to determine as there is a common
assumption that DPs are used in their original English version, regardless of the native language of
the user. If this is the case, then shouldn’t translation services be dedicated elsewhere? In the current
environment of competing for resources, those are important questions to answer to inform future
action.
Finally, one crucial aspect that differentiates the Observatory from other IPPC projects is that the call
for topics remains open all year round. Think of it like of a suggestion box where ideas for topics can
be communicated as they arise. So feel free to reach out to the official IPPC contact point of your
country’s NPPO should you have a suggestion for an Observatory topic!
Resources
IPPC Observatory web page: https://bit.ly/3x86xig
IPPC Observatory list of topics: https://bit.ly/3YgyPCS
IPPC Observatory fact sheet: https://bit.ly/3I8WYpC

IPPC Observatory video: https://bit.ly/3x5nrhl

By: Dominique Pelletier
CFIA and IPPC IC Chairperson

March 2023 -Vol 43 (1) 12