Following the second Global Summit of Pest Management Services for Public Health and Food Safety held in New York, USA between 3-4 April a group of 21 pest management associations from around the world met. Out of this was born the Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC).
At what was scheduled to be a ‘think tank’ session following the second Global Summit of Pest Management Services for Public Health and Food Safety it quickly became apparent that the pest management industry has common goals when it comes to protecting public health and property. Participants agreed that sharing information and pursuing consistency in messaging to the public would elevate the professionalism and strengthen this sector as a whole.
As a logical next step participants formulated strategic objectives for the Coalition and summarised the initiative with the following mission statement:
The mission of the GPMC is to provide a unified voice across the globe promoting the value of pest management in ensuring the protection of health, home, food and businesses.
A logo has been proposed and approved. The next Global Summit in Europe 2018 will be an ideal opportunity to reconvene, compare initiatives and develop common tactics.
Hosting the meeting, NPMA chief executive Dominique Stumpf said: “The Zika outbreak was a game changer for the pest management industry, as it marked the first public health crisis the industry has faced impacting countries from around the world – and the first that emerged in the information age. This coalition was formed to ensure that there is a sharing of information and consistency among the members in messaging to the public and elevating professionalism.”
Representing CEPA, Roland Higgins explained: “During the Coalition’s think tank session, it became clear that we all share some common goals particularly as it relates to protecting public health and property.”
Participating associations at the meeting held on 4 April included:
Australien Pest Management Association
Peru Pest Management Association
German Pest Control Association (DSV)
Confederation of European Pest Management Associations
British Pest Control Association
ADEPAP, Spain
Uruguayan Pest Control Association/UCABA, Argentina
ANCPUAC, Mexico
Fenix (Latin American)
Canadian Pest Management Association
Norway Pest Management Association
NPMA