USP launched Fiji’s first-ever Invasive Alien Species Symposium

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Waterways and Environment, Mere Lakeba, says the symposium provides an opportunity for people to understand how invasive alien species interact, also the impacts it has on our biodiversity and environment.

The Minister highlighted this at the University of the South Pacific for successfully launching Fiji's first-ever Alien Invasive Species Symposium (FJIASS).

Through the Institute of Applied Sciences, in partnership with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, the Ministry of Waterways and Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Fiji National University, Nature Fiji/ Mareqeti Viti and BirdLife.

USP says the symposium covered all invasive and terrestrial plants, animals, insects, and pathogens relevant to Fiji and the region.

Acting Director for the Institute of Applied Sciences (USP), Isoa Korovulavula, elaborated that the two-day symposium covers various topics.

Director General for SPREP, Sefanaia Nawadra, says such initiatives would boost conservation efforts in Fiji and the region.

Nawadra adds that IAS in Fiji and the Pacific is imperative as it has direct links to the loss of livelihood of specific communities if not adequately addressed or managed.