BUILDING CAPACITY FOR INVASIVE SPECIES EMERGENCY RESPONSE – JULY 16, 2026

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), today successfully commenced the Simulation exercise for the Samoa Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan (SISERP) at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

The two-day workshop brings together representatives from the relevant divisions of the two Ministries to strengthen Samoa’s national capacity to prevent, detect and respond effectively to invasive species that threaten the country’s biodiversity, agriculture, natural environment, economy, livelihoods and public health.

The simulation exercise also serves to assess the operational effectiveness of the Samoa Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan (SISERP), while reinforcing inter-agency coordination and preparedness.

In his opening remarks, Suemalo Talie Foliga, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) for the Division of Environment and Conservation (DEC), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), highlighted the significance of the workshop in enhancing Samoa’s collective capacity to prevent, detect and respond effectively to invasive species, thereby protecting the nation’s biodiversity, agriculture, environment, economy and public health.

Past incursions, including the Taro Leaf Blight, Giant African Snail and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, have demonstrated the far-reaching environmental and economic impacts these species can inflict if not detected and managed promptly. Strengthening national preparedness through initiatives such as SISERP remains fundamental to protecting Samoa’s natural resources and ensuring an effective, coordinated response to future biosecurity threats.

Throughout the first day, the participants were taken through Interactive sessions focused on strengthening inter-agency communication and coordination, decision-making processes, escalation pathways and regulatory mechanisms, to name a few. Collaborative group exercises further enabled participants to identify strengths, challenges, opportunities and areas for improvement in Samoa’s Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan.

The Simulation exercise is coordinated and financially supported through the GEF-7 Samoa IAS project currently implemented by the MNRE in close partnership with the UNDP.

The project is helping equip and empower local communities to safeguard Samoa’s indigenous species, natural ecosystems and food production systems from Invasive Species.