BY MORRIS NAFU
The SAFE Project, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is underway at the Paraningiju resort in Central Guadalcanal with a critical workshop aimed at fortifying national biosecurity measures against the growing threat of invasive alien species in the Solomon Islands.
MECDM in a statement confirmed that the event focuses on enhancing the capacity of national and provincial stakeholders to address the country’s heightened vulnerability to these environmental invaders.
Supported by the UNDP, the workshop aligns with the SAFE Project’s Output 1.3, emphasizing capacity-building to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Jean Manepora, Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), highlights the vital role of biosecurity.
“Biosecurity is essential for protecting our nation’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.
“Invasive alien species pose serious threats to our agriculture, environment, and economy. As trade and movement intensify, we must mitigate risks at ports of entry to ensure readiness, coordination, and operational efficiency at both international and domestic borders,” she stated.
The workshop brings together frontline officers from key agencies, including Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Customs, and Port Authorities, for hands-on training.
Participants are reviewing the national biosecurity framework and international obligations, identifying risks, pathways, and threats at entry points, and applying risk assessment and profiling tools for cargo vessels and passengers.
They are also practicing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inspection, surveillance, and interception documentation.
Expected outcomes include improved professional capabilities, such as enhanced officer skills in inspection and reporting, completion of sample profiling templates, and recommendations for refining SOPs and inter-agency coordination.
These efforts are poised to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ defenses against invasive species, which could otherwise disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods.
The workshop represents a proactive step in national preparedness, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to tackle one of the Pacific region’s pressing environmental challenges.
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