Started out as just being an information sharing platform for Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority of the Middle East region, MEDNIP (Middle East Database for Non-Indigenous Pests) database has developed into a fully functioning database. From the first steps until now it has always been about collecting and sharing information on invasive pests and subsequently on their plant hosts and portraying such in a useful manner for its users and for decision makers within the three National Plant Protection Organizations. Furthermore, the collected knowledge on the page can also be used by its members for their own research. To stay connected with the community of the Middle East area as well as to raise awareness, the Discussion Board serves this purpose. In addition to this, the MEDNIP database uses the function of a Newsflash to inform its members of possible threats by non-indigenous pests in the area. By doing so, the reaction time for applying counter measures is greatly reduced.

The latest additions to the database have made it even more user friendly adding a draft function, thus creating a two-step process for creating pages as well as including information on transmitted diseases. Furthermore, copying information is now much more smooth and easier.

“The MEDNIP database has come a long way since the first version was released. Through continuous development and changes it has become a great tool of collaboration between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority”, said Walther R. Enkerlin Hoeflich, entomologist at the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

Presently, the MEDNIP access is limited to member countries.

Source: Insect Pest Control Section/Joint FAO/IAEA Programme Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture