Fiji is now considered the hub for marine traffic among the Pacific island countries, making it an entry point for high-risk invasive species in the region.
Department of Environment acting director Senimili Baleicakau told Pacific islands Marine bioinvasion Alert Network (Pacman) Project Advisory board members in a meeting last week that with the increasing movement of goods and services across the globe, the risk of invasive species around the globe has intensified and Fiji was no exception.
Ms Baleicakau urged the board members to collectively provide the clarity needed in mapping a way forward in terms of integration of the Pacman support system into the operational processes for each stakeholder.
“I am hopeful that we will collectively progress the management of invasive species in the region. The invasive species poses a major risk to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health and consequently to ecosystem services that are crucial for livelihoods and human wellbeing,” Ms Baleicakau informed the board.
“I understand the Pacman project will contribute to national efforts in raising awareness and building capacity on marine invasive species.
“Government through the Department of Environment is committed to providing the necessary support for the project.”
Fiji’s priority targets for the management of invasive alien species are articulated in the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) implemented by the Department of Environment. It has four focus areas.
Ms Baleicakau said eliminating invasive species would ultimately require collaborative efforts of all actors in government, the academia and the scientific communities.
