International Day of Plant Health: Ministry of PLAHI and DoA Reaffirms Commitment to Plant Biosecurity
IPPC Theme: The Importance of Plant Health in One Health
Proposed Cayman Islands Theme: Plant Health, One Health, and Biosecurity: A Shared Responsibility
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – 14 May 2025, this week, the Cayman Islands Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), and the Department of Agriculture (DoA) join with colleagues globally to recognise and celebrate International Day of Plant Health under the theme “The Importance of Plant Health in One Health,”. A theme that highlights the essential interconnectedness between the health of plants, animals, humans, and our shared environment.
Plants form the foundation of life. They provide over 80% of the food we consume and produce approximately 98% of the oxygen we breathe. Beyond basic sustenance, plants are integral to our ecosystems by supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and maintaining soil health. Yet, globally, nearly 40% of crops are lost each year due to pests and diseases, posing severe threats to food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
The One Health approach emphasises that the health of humans, animals, plants, and our environment is inseparably linked. Unhealthy plants can trigger a cascade of adverse effects such as Food Insecurity, Animal Health Risks and Environmental Degradation. By safeguarding plant health, we protect this intricate web of life.
The biosecurity measures the Department of Agriculture (DoA) takes to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms are crucial to protecting our agriculture, economy, and unique biodiversity here in the Cayman Islands. Without robust biosecurity, our livelihoods, food security, tourism industry, and natural environment face significant threats.
Biosecurity cannot succeed through government efforts alone; it requires the active participation of every citizen. Each of you has a critical role to play. Your adherence to import regulations, prompt reporting of pest sightings, and adoption of sustainable gardening and farming practices greatly enhance our biosecurity capabilities. Collectively, we can preserve our agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and overall public health.
In the Cayman Islands, the government remains firmly committed to:
- Strengthening surveillance systems to promptly detect and address plant health threats.
- Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices that protect soil health and biodiversity.
- Investing in research and innovation, and sustainable pest control methods.
- Promoting extensive education and outreach programs to build informed and engaged communities.
Through collaboration with our local partners at Customs and Border Control (CBC) and with regional and international organisations such as the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), Caribbean Plant Health Directors forum (CPHD) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), we enhance our phytosanitary and One Health capabilities, protect our borders from invasive threats, and contribute to global initiatives promoting plant health and environmental sustainability.
In recognising International Day of Plant Health, we reaffirm our commitment to plant health as a cornerstone of the One Health approach. Together, by embracing biosecurity, actively engaging in protective practices, and strengthening community participation, we can secure a thriving, sustainable future for our nation and the planet.
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About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, & Infrastructure (PLAHI):
Under the guidance of Hon. Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks, the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing, & Infrastructure (PLAHI) is committed to enhancing the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Cayman Islands through comprehensive planning, responsible land management, sustainable agriculture, efficient housing solutions, and critical infrastructure development.
About the Department of Agriculture (DoA):
The Department of Agriculture aims to foster sustainable agricultural production, enhancing self-sufficiency and food security in the Cayman Islands. The Department extends a range of services, from agronomical to veterinary, and wholly supports the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure in implementing its policies and strategies.
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