A quick recap of what
is being done and still
Issue # 36
8 May 2006
“Managing alien invasives will become
an even greater challenge as we
further liberalize and expand trade.
New trading arrangements such as
the Free Trade Areas of the
Americas (FTAA) and the
Caribbean Single Market and
Economy will further test resilience,
as we struggle to comply with existing
trading agreements, such as the
WTO."
The Honorable Jarrette Narine
Minister of Agriculture, T&T
(At the Workshop on “Facilitating Safer
US Caribbean Trade: Invasive Species
Issues, 2 June 2004”
Look out for:

The 14th International
Conference on Aquatic Invasive
Species (ICAIS), hosted by the
US Geological Survey to be held
in Key Biscayne, Florida, from
14-16 May, 2006. The
conference typically involves over
400 participants from 30
countries representing academia,
industry, government agencies,
NGOs and other stakeholders
involved in the issues and
seeking opportunities for
cooperation and collaboration to
address them.

The 9th International
Conference on the Ecology
and Management of Alien
Plant Invasions (EMAPi9),
organized by the Weeds Society
of WA (Inc.) to be held during
the 17-21 September 2007,
Hyatt Regency Perth Western
Australia.
needs to be done to
improve the
agricultural policy
framework in
Caribbean countries.
Feature of the Week: Safeguarding Agriculture
against Invasive Alien Species!
Many species of animals, plants and even microorganisms have been
introduced to the Caribbean, either accidentally or deliberately for a variety
of reasons. But whatever the reason, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a
growing problem in the region, and the number of species has grown
enormously as a direct result of expansion of transport, movement of people
and trade. The situation is further compounded by trade liberalization
agreements such as the WTO and CSME, which increases the opportunity
for introduction of new types of species.
The introduction of Invasive Species, especially new types such as the
Giant African Snail, Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Small Indian Mangoose and
Froghopper, has posed serious threats to Caribbean agriculture in recent
years, causing widespread physical damage and economic losses. Invasive
species are threatening food security, human health and economic
development. They are also threatening livelihoods of the region by
adversely affecting agricultural trade, tourism, biodiversity and impeding
sustainable development. The capacity to grapple with invasive species at
the national level varies considerably across the region. For countries to have
proper preventative, early detection, eradication and control measures,
greater regional safeguarding capabilities must be created.
A Regional Approach Policy
to deal with IAS Picks:

St. Vincent & the
It has been recognized that the traditional approach Grenadines is developing an
of focusing efforts only on national programmes, Invasive Species Strategy
inspection, surveillance and emergency response to along with the University of
unexpected entry is not sufficient to meet today’s Florida. A Draft Emergency
challenges. There must be greater national and Plan of Action has been
regional coordinated efforts among Agricultural prepared and national
Health and Food Safety (AHFS) Agencies, including training on proper species
stronger alliances with the private sector. A good identification and response
approach/strategy should include these components: completed.
Building Human Resource Capabilities
Jamaica implemented a
Technical personnel need to be trained and have the Plant Health Surveillance
necessary expertise to ensure effective action is taken and Response System to
to prevent, mitigate and control invasive species. undertake proactive
Interaction with the Private Sector surveillance of pest and
All stakeholders need to be better informed and aware disease incidence and a
of the serious danger posed by invasive species and the collaborative early warning
private sector plays a role in promoting awareness and system for identifying and
providing funding to increase awareness. responding to threats of
Proper Legislation actual incursions of
Current legislation should be reviewed and updated to dangerous plant pests.
include provisions for mitigating any potential threats, What’s new in Your
and makes use of principles developed for invasive Agricultural Policy Process?
species by organizations, institutions and countries. Care to Share?