The COST Action Urban Tree Guard (CA20132) successfully concluded its Joint Conference with the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), held from September 8-10, 2025, at the NOVA SBE, Carcavelos Campus, Portugal.

The conference, titled ‘Biosecurity and Surveillance for Quarantine Pests of Trees in Forests and Cities’, served as a critical forum for international experts, researchers, and stakeholders. The primary objective was to address evolving challenges and advance cooperative strategies in tree and forest biosecurity.

Key Focus Areas

The rigorous three-day conference covered a broad and vital range of topics, ensuring a comprehensive approach to protecting our urban and natural tree populations:

• Biosecurity Strategies: Preventing the introduction and spread of pests and pathogens in urban environments.

• National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs): Analyzing current practices and regional challenges in quarantine forest pest surveillance.

• Innovative Tools: Showcasing solutions for the diagnosis, detection, and monitoring of tree pests and diseases.

• Tree Resilience: Examining species-specific responses to pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors.

• Stakeholder & Policy Engagement: Discussing community, professional, and authoritative perspectives, alongside supportive policy and decision-making frameworks.

The collaborative success of this conference underscored the dedication within the scientific and regulatory communities to enhance urban tree health and long-term sustainability. The organizing committees and participants extend their gratitude to all who contributed to this highly informative event.