vol 5 no 3 December 2009 CONTENTS SPC opens state-of-the- CePaCT moves to new facilities...... 1 3rd HOFS meeting ...... 2 art biodiversity centre Fiji’s forest policy...... 3 he Irish potato famine of 1845, CePaCT, located some 10km Tonga’s forest policy...... 4 which resulted in the death outside of Suva, is the first modern Tonga WFD celebrations...... 5 Tof one million people and the genebank built to international emigration of another million, and standards in the Pacific Islands region. FSM WFD celebrations...... 6 the taro leaf blight disease in Samoa The same sentiment was Pacific Climate Change Meeting...... 7 which completely destroyed the local expressed by the SPC Deputy Director, Samoa Farmers Association...... 8 taro industry worth USD$10 m in the Ms Fekitamoeloa ‘Utuikamanu, in EU monitors FACT progress...... 9 early 1990s highlights how the lack welcoming guests to the opening of of crop diversity can render plants the new complex, when commenting Bamboo propagation...... 9 highly susceptible to diseases. that “the Centre provides an excellent Agroforestry, the future...... 10 These were the remarks made example of how regionalism works. Solomon Islands cocoa industry...... 11 by Ambassador Wiepke van der Goot, Due to economies of scale, and the Regional trade statistics database...... 12 EU head of delegation for the Pacific, financial and technical resource Fiji REDD scoping workshop...... 13 in his keynote address as chief guest requirements, a setup like CePaCT at the opening of the new Secretariat would be alarmingly difficult to be Fiji floods agriculture rehabilitation...... 14 of the Pacific Community biodiversity established in each of the member Pacific Biocontrol workshop...... 15 centre, Centre for Pacific Crops and states. However, with the pooling of CABI Compendium meeting...... 17 Trees (CePACT). resources to establish this state-of- CTA Brussels Declaration...... 18 “Although very distant from the-art biodiversity centre, technical each other in time and space, both the services in plant genetic resources to Radio for rual development...... 18 Irish potato blight and the Samoan taro member countries are upgraded and Promoting orange-fleshed bananas...... 18 leaf blight vividly show the crucial maintained.” PAFPNet updates...... 21 importance of crop diversity. A regional genebank was first IFS to combat land degradation...... 21 “Yet, at this very moment conceived by the Pacific Ministers much of the diversity of Pacific plant Sustainable land management...... 22 of Agriculture in 1996, when they resources are at risk of disappearing as recommended a regional approach Cocoa pod borer...... 23 a result of plant diseases, the impact to conservation of crop diversity, Diagnosing animal diseases...... 24 of global warming and rapid socio- acknowledging the significance of LRD Farewells/2010 events...... 24 economic changes including changes crop diversity to food and nutritional in urban migration,” said Ambassador security. (.....cont’d overleaf) Land Resources News is the quarterly Wiepke. newsletter produced by SPC Land Resources Division.
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The hard working staff of CePaCT, lead by Dr Mary Taylor (2nd from left) made it all possible for a sucessful opening of the new high tech plant genetic resources centre in Narere, Suva, Fiji. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 1 Land Resources News Conservation is the core Plant Genetic Resources for Food and NEW TARO BREEDING LINES: business of the Centre with priority Agriculture (ITPGRFA) – a global given to the region’s staple crops. treaty for food security. The Treaty These exciting new lines available from the Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) CePaCT is very active in making is vital in ensuring the continued are the result of the efforts of the Taro germplasm available to countries, availability of the plant genetic Improvement Programme (TIP) in Samoa. The having distributed over 24,819 plants in resources for food and agriculture that TIP is a participatory varietal selection and the period 2004-8. In vitro techniques countries will need to feed their people. breeding programme that was initiated by are used to conserve a wide range At the opening of the 3rd the AusAID-funded Taro Genetic Resources: of crops, namely Alocasia (Alocasia Session of the Governing Body to the Conservation and Utilization (TaroGen) macrorrhiza), Banana (Musa spp), Treaty, the Honourable Taua Kitiona, project, and since the completion of that Bele (Abelmoschus manihot), Black Samoa Minister of Agriculture, project has been successfully managed by Tolo Iosefa, the TIP Coordinator. The TIP is a pepper (Piper nigrum), Breadfruit formally placed the collections of the collaborative venture between SPC, USP and (Artocarpus altilis), Cassava (Manihot CePaCT, held in- trust for the Pacific the Ministry of Agriculture in Samoa. esculenta), Cyrtosperma (Cyrtosperma Island Countries and Territories, into merkusii), Irish potato (Solanum the Multilateral System of the Treaty. These Cycle 5 and Cycle 6 lines are par- tuberosum), Kava (Piper methysticum), In his address to the Governing Body ticularly exciting as they are the first crosses Pandanus (Pandanus tectorius), of the Treaty, he said, “The signing between taro from the Pacific and taro Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Taro of these agreements by SPC has from southeast Asia which was made avail- able through the EU-funded TANSAO (Taro (Colocasia esculenta), Vanilla (Vanilla been fully endorsed by the Pacific Network for Southeast Asia and Oceania) fragrans), Xanthosoma (Xanthosoma region, recognizing we live in one project. There has been excellent feedback sagittifolium) and Yam (Dioscorea world, despite the miles that often on these taros from Samoa, and in addition spp). exist between us all, and to survive some of these lines have yellowish flesh which The taro collection is unique, the many challenges of this century indicates good levels of beta-carotene. Now acknowledged as the largest in vitro we need to work together, sharing thanks to the collaboration between USP and collection in the world consisting of our resources and importantly further SPC, and the facilities and expertise made over 850 varieties from the Pacific and recognizing that genetic diversity found available by CePaCT, these lines are in tissue culture, have been tested for viruses and are Asian countries including improved in genebanks today may become the available for trial by the region. lines obtained through collaboration most important resources we have in with breeding programmes in shaping an effective response to climate For further information on these exciting taros, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. The change.” contact SPC curator, Valerie Tuia, ValerieT@ importance of both the taro and yam SPC’s work on genetic spc.int. collections to food security have been resources also includes the Pacific recognized globally with the recent Plant Genetic Resources Network one of a kind in the Pacific and is a signing of a long-term agreement (PAPGREN) established in 2004 resource that has been built up over with the Global Crop Diversity Trust to strengthen capacity in the region the years through the commitment of providing funding support ad infinitum for conservation and utilization of the people of the Pacific, donors and for these collections. This is the first plant genetic resources for food and SPC. Importantly it is a resource the long-term grant provided by the agriculture. This network continues to Pacific region now truly values for its Trust to a collection outside of the be active in supporting countries in the role in conserving traditional crops and Consultative Group for International conservation and utilization of crop trees, and providing “new” material Agricultural Research (CGIAR). diversity. The linkage with PAPGREN to fulfill all the functions required of In June of this year CePaCT greatly strengthens the work of the diversity. With the challenges of the became part of the global system, CePaCT in both conserving the crop 21st century this role is becoming which facilitates the sharing of plant diversity of the region and delivering increasingly important. The demands genetic resources. The fact that no new diversity. are huge on the fragile resources of the one country is self-sufficient in crop The CePaCT manager and Pacific, to maintain food security with diversity or plant genetic resources SPC Genetic Resources Coordinator, the unpredictability of climate change, for food and agriculture is the basic Dr Mary Taylor said, “The Centre for address the problems of nutritional premise of the International Treaty on Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) is security, and respond to the needs of the markets.”
For more information on CePACT, please contact Dr Mary Taylor (MaryT@ spc.int), or lrdhelpdesk@ spc.int.
The new Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees became part of the global system which facilitates the sharing of plant genetic resources in June. Conservation is the core business of the Centre with priority given to the region’s staple crops. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 2 Land Resources News
Forests, climate change and markets was the theme at the heads of forestry meeting. 3rd Pacific Heads of Forestry Meeting he sustainable management of SPC’s Forests and Trees Programme change. The strategy is `to build forestry resources is critical provides valuable technical assistance institutional capacities and strengthen to addressing the impact of to PICTs in this regard. the forestry sector’s involvement in T climate change negotiations at national, climate change on fragile Pacific For the first time, the United ecosystems. Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) regional and international levels’. This was one of the messages Secretariat was represented at the Meeting delegates were emphasised at the Third Pacific meeting. UNFF, the international body informed of the new collaboration Regional Heads of Forestry Meeting on forestry, recognises climate change between SPC’s Land Resources held in Nadi, Fiji, from 21 to 24 as a global issue affecting the world’s Division (LRD) and German Technical September 2009. The theme of the forestry resource and this was one of Cooperation (GTZ) to implement a meeting was, “Forests, Climate Change the main themes of its 8th Session held regional initiative on adaptation to and Markets”. Delegates from 17 SPC in New York earlier this year. climate change. member countries and territories in the Mr Sairusi Bulai, coordinator LRD is also taking a lead role Pacific (PICTs) attended. of SPC’s forests and trees thematic in the conservation, improvement, SPC Deputy Director- group presented a report on the distribution and use of plant genetic General, Ms Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu activities of the group and activities resources in the region with the gave the official keynote address, carried out by the agriculture and opening of a new building for the highlighting the vulnerability of small forestry diversification group of LRD. Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees island states to the projected effects Country reports highlighted (CePaCT). The Centre includes a of climate change, such as sea-level developments and challenges in the tree seed unit to support SPC’s work rise and saltwater intrusion. Pests and management of national forestry in distributing and exchanging crop diseases are also likely to become more resources. and tree germplasm, with the aim of prevalent. She emphasised the strong Regional and international improving the productivity of farmers commitment of SPC through its Land partners provided valuable information and tree growers. Resources Division to assist its member and expertise on a range of topics Meeting delegates agreed countries and territories in sustainable including climate change and markets on a list of recommendations that management and development of for forestry products. will be submitted to the next Heads their agricultural and forest resources Presentations were made on of Agriculture and Forestry Services and improved biosecurity and trade international policies and financing (HOAFS) meeting for endorsement. in agriculture and forestry products. instruments, forest sector markets, The next HOAFS meeting will be held regional initiatives as well as climate (.....cont’d on pg 4) volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 3 Land Resources News FIJI’S TONGA’S FOREST FOREST POLICY POLICY he United Nations Food and new forest policy for Fiji was TAgriculture Organisation (FAO) Aendorsed by Cabinet in November has been helping Tonga to review and 2007, replacing the existing forest update its forest policy. policy, which dated from 1950. The policy development The policy review and formulation process has enabled all stakeholders process began in 2003 when, in in Tonga to feed in their views on response to a request from Fiji’s how Tonga’s forest resources should Forestry Department, LRD, with the 3rd HOFS MEETING be managed. The development of support of GTZ (German Technical an overarching forest policy was Cooperation), agreed to provide the in Tonga in 2010. considered important to set out an technical and funding assistance Specific recommendations agreed basis for managing forest required. related to climate change, policy resources, to outline how this should Given the changes that have and legislation, sustainable forest happen and to underpin any subsequent taken place since the 1950s, a review management, markets, agroforestry, legislation. was necessary to ensure that the policy forest genetic resources, invasive The draft forest policy adequately addressed the changing species, land use planning, participation emphasises the sustainable demands on Fiji’s forests, in terms in international policy-making, and management of forest resources and of balancing the country’s economic, ecosystems and biodiversity. the important role that forests play social and environmental needs. It also Regional and international in biodiversity and soil conservation, needed to address Fiji’s obligations partners, donors and supporting agen- coastal protection, water management under the various international cies in attendance included GTZ, the and climate change adaptation and agreements and conventions that it has Food and Agriculture Organization, Eu- mitigation. As part of the extensive signed. Lastly, but most importantly, ropean Union (EU), Australian Centre consultation undertaken in developing the new policy had to be more broad- for International Agricultural Research the draft policy, FAO, with the support based than the 1950 policy. (ACIAR), Commonwealth Scientific of GTZ through its project ‘Adaptation To a great extent, the new and Industrial Research Organisation to Climate Change in the Pacific Island forest policy satisfies these needs. Its (Australia), United States Department Region’, conducted a stakeholder main thrusts are as follows: of Agriculture Forest Service, Japan workshop on integrating climate • Change from forest sector International Cooperation Agency and change considerations into the draft planning to integrated natural resources Asia Pacific Association of Forestry policy. management Research Institutions. Pacific regional The expansion of agriculture • Transition from timber organisations present were the Univer- into forested areas was identified as exploitation to sustainable forest sity of the South Pacific and SOPAC one of the biggest threats to Tongan management (Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience forests and implementation of the forest • Empowerment of land owners Commission). From the private sector policy depends on a commitment to to adopt sustainable management and NGOs, there were representatives sustainable agriculture. Currently, there practices from the National Trust of Fiji, Future are no overall land use or agriculture The greatest challenge will Forests Fiji, Salwood Asia Pacific PTY policies in Tonga and it is hoped that be the implementation of the policy Ltd and Mamfri Oils. the development of a national forest on the ground. But the fact that it went The meeting was organised by policy will lay the foundation for through a lengthy consultation process SPC’s Land Resource Division in close developing these policies. before its finalisation means that the collaboration with GTZ, ACIAR and new policy is a much more widely the EU. understood and supported document, and therefore, more broad-based legislation with the new forest policy in its ownership than the previous and also to take into consideration policy, which should greatly assist its recently approved legislation, such implementation. as that relating to environmental Currently, a new set of forestry management. This work is expected to legislation is being formulated to be completed by the end of 2009. replace the existing Forest Decree For more information, please contact 1992. This is necessary to align the [email protected]. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 4 Land Resources News
Fruit tree seedlings distribution mark World Food Day
In a concerted effort, the Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in collaboration with the Tonga Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (MAFF) successfully distributed over 1000 potted fruit tree seedlings to farmers in Tonga through Tongan Tropical Fruit Production (TTFP) project The Tonga Tropical Fruit Project, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture on World Food Day. Celebrations took Research (ACIAR) and implemented by SPC aims to increase production of fruits to enhance food place on 16th October at the Queen security and support import replacement, boost farmer income and strengthen overall economic development. Salote Memorial Hall, Nuku’alofa. The Minister for Agriculture, HRH Prince Tuipelehake, a recipient of Tonga urged to grow more some fruit tree seedlings indicated his the global economic crisis, particularly wish to have exotic tropical fruit tree local foods in the last 3 years, has affected world seedlings planted at the Royal Palace orld Food Day is commemo- food production contributing to the with particular interest in the fruit salad rated each year on 16th October trees that produce three varieties of W increasing number of people suffering across 150 countries, the date also fruits of the same family, on the same from hunger. He quoted a statement marks the founding anniversary of the tree. from FAO Director General, who said Food and Agriculture Organisation The TTFP project, funded by “for the first time in history more than (FAO) of the United Nations. the Australian Centre for International one billion people are undernourished The theme for WFD 2009 is, Agriculture Research (ACIAR) and worldwide. This is about 100 million Achieving Food Security in Times of implemented by SPC aims to increase more than last year and it means that production of fruits to enhance Crisis, chosen to highlight the need for one in every six persons suffers from food security and support import action, and a common focus to achieve hunger every day.” replacement, boost farmer income food security in times of crisis. He said although this may not and strengthen overall economic WFD is also celebrated in the Pacific be true for Tonga now it can happen in development. It is a four year project, as well, and in the Kingdom of Tonga the future. to be completed in 2013 with activities were held at the Queen Salote harvesting beginning in 2010. “This day is an opportunity Memorial Hall and organised by the A scoping study, conducted for us all to be grateful that we have Women’s Development Division of the by the Queensland Department of enough food to eat here in Tonga. It is Ministry of Agriculture. Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) also an opportunity for us to be aware The minister for agriculture, in 2007 found there was significant of the plight of millions of people HRH Prince Tuipelehake was the potential to expand the Tongan fruit elsewhere, suffering from hunger, and industry. Through various consultations official guest at the Tonga celebrations. hopefully drive us all here in Tonga with stakeholders, the current project In his official address, the minister said to work harder to ensure food has identified papaya, banana, mango, security for our families and for breadfruit and citrus as the fruits to our country. focus efforts on expanding production. “Our local foods are healthy At the MAFF Tokomololo Forestry food. They are better and we Station, significant work has gone into expanding the nursery and developing need to eat more of these. seedlings to improve the availability of “We are celebrating here tropical fruit planting material. the World Food Day with the The ACIAR-funded fruit exhibitions of our local foods to tree project is aligned to the Tongan remind us all of the importance government’s development plan of of our local food. We need to advancing agricultural productivity, continue to promote our local revitalizing the export industries and food not only for food security reducing reliance on imported foods but also for our health security. by improving the domestic supply of If we are healthy, we are in a tropical fruits at a subsistence and local better position to act and do trade level with longer term potential more to contribute in securing for export. The project is also giving attention to the importance of good our food for our family and for nutrition, emphasizing not only the our country as a whole.” importance of fruits, but fruits produced locally. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 5 Land Resources News FSM President at World Food to display local produce, including the FSM Pilot Farm supported by Day celebration the People’s Republic of China, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Achieving Food Security in times ‘At the national level, the total Organization (FAO)/FSM Soaring Food of Crisis’ was the main theme as import of food into the nation is about & Fuel Prices Project, the Island Food ‘the Federated States of Micronesia USD 40 million, accounting for 30 per Community of Pohnpei, along with (FSM) celebrated World Food Day cent of our total imports. While, on the various other non-governmental groups (WFD) on 16 October 2009. other hand, the nation is exporting only and local farmers competing for prizes President Manny Mori gave USD 5 million worth of goods, and with local food and crops. the keynote address at Pohnpei State’s Pohnpei is exporting a total of about (Source: FSM Information Services) WFD event held at the Pohnpei State USD 500,000, primarily comprised Agriculture Department in Kolonia. of kava and betel nut,’ said President Present were farmers, fishermen, Mori. Food processing training students, state and national government The President encouraged for Majuro farmers officers, the diplomatic corps, and people to plant local crops not only for people from the communities of local consumption but also for export. Pohnpei. Welcoming remarks were He spoke of the national government’s Majuro farmers and their families given by Pohnpei State Lieutenant emphasis on tackling the transportation got practical hands-on training in Governor Churchill Edwards, followed problem related to exporting food food processing and food safety by remarks and an introduction of and remove trade barriers to open up during a course held in the Republic President Mori by the Administrator markets for exporting local produce of the Marshall Islands from 14 to of the Office of Economic Affairs of to Guam and Hawai‘i, and assured the 18 September, 2009. The Ministry Pohnpei State, Valerio Hallens. public that this work is in process. The of Resources and Development and In his remarks, President President also highlighted the need for the SPC Development of Sustainable Mori mentioned of the fragility of sustainable farming practices to help Agriculture Programme (DSAP) FSM’s food security and how it has the environment and to counter the collaborated on presenting the course, been affected in the past three years worst effects of climate change. which focused on how to prepare, by natural disasters. He spoke of the The President concluded preserve and handle food properly. high prices of imported food and the by saying there is a need for local The training was held at different negative impact that these unhealthy, restaurants to offer more local food imported foods are having on the health on their menus and for parents to feed locations, with the food safety of the people of FSM. their children local food so they grow component being presented at CMI’s ‘Pohnpei is blessed with up knowing and enjoying the benefits Land Grant Arrak Campus and food fertile soil and an abundance of local local food gives. ‘Let’s go local’ was processing at the Women’s Training farm produce, yet it still imports USD his closing statement to the crowd of Centre in Delap. Although most 17 million worth of food items each more than 100 who came to witness the participants were farmers, there were year and over 95 per cent of these are annual celebration. also representatives from organisations processed foods. In particular, statistics The President’s address such as Youth to Youth in Health (YTYIH), from the latest household income and was followed by a presentation on CMI Land Grant, and invited NGOs. expenditure survey revealed that even the essay contest organised by the The training was conducted by the lowest expenditure households State Department of Education. Ms Mereseini Seniloli, DSAP Micronesia rely more on purchased items than This was followed by a tour of the Coordinator, and Ms Apiame subsistence production as compared to exhibits and demonstration sites. Cegumalua, SPC-FACT (Facilitating other FSM states. Several organisations were present Agricultural Commodity Trade) marketing officer. The training was a big success and the Ministry of Resources and Development is looking into collaborating again with SPC for follow-up training. The training organisers extend their thanks to CMI and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for allowing the use of their facilities. For more information, please contact Mereseini Seniloli ([email protected]). ‘Let’s go local’ was the resounding theme at World Food Day celebrations in Pohnpei, and echoed loudly in the President’s official remarks. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 6 Land Resources News
sources. Projections with increases Pacific climate change in sea temperatures of 10–30C will impact conditions for tuna stocks in the roundtable meeting Pacific by 2050, causing a shift in tuna he second Pacific Climate Change alone would not make a great impact resources to the east. A decline in coral TRoundtable (PCCR) was held in on atmospheric concentrations. On reefs will affect coastal fisheries as Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Is- the mitigation side of climate change well. lands (RMI), 19–21 October 2009 and we can do as much as we can through Possible impacts of climate had a special focus on adaptation in the limited means, but we also bring a change on food security and agriculture region. RMI is one of the Pacific Island message that even though we have include loss of crops due to floods, countries and territories (PICTs) that is contributed little to the problem we droughts, soil erosion and increased likely most vulnerable to the effects of are participating in the solutions. On salinity. In addition increased risks climate change. the adaptation side we have ideas and of pests and diseases will lead to The meeting discussed PCCR options, but we require technical and reductions in crop yields. A subsequent as a mechanism for improved regional financial support. Complementing these increase in reliance on imported food is coordination of the response to climate efforts is the need for improved science inevitable. change, including inputs to the United and observation in the region, further In the forestry sector, an Nations Framework Convention on adding to the burdens that climate increase in CO2 may enhance growth Climate Change (UNFCCC), including change places upon our administrations and yield but may also affect species a proposal to establish formal structure and communities. There is a lot of composition of forests and ecosystems, for PCCR governance and oversight. work to be done in overcoming these both of which are important to food First on the agenda was a challenges, and it is my hope that the security. In some areas, mangroves discussion on the implementation of the PCCR will contribute towards this could be lost. Pacific Islands Framework for Action goal.’ The SPC presentation also on Climate Change (PIFACC). The Secretariat of the Pacific considered the impact of climate Addressing delegates in Community’s (SPC’s) Land Resources change on people, including the his opening remarks, Secretariat of Division participated in the first likelihood that vulnerable groups the Pacific Regional Environment PCCR meeting held in Apia, Samoa in such as women and children will be Programme (SPREP) director David October 2008. marginalised with the increasing threat Sheppard said, ‘Adaptation will remain SPC continues to partner to water and food sources. Coastal our key priority for decades to come, with SPREP to address climate change communities are expected to bear particularly as we learn more of what issues affecting the Pacific Islands. In the brunt of the loss of houses and the locally specific impacts are going its presentation to the PCCR meeting, infrastructure. to be, and also bearing in mind that the SPC highlighted once again the SPC recognises the impact climate system is slow in adjusting and vulnerability of the Pacific Islands. It of climate change on PICTs and has that emissions already made will have was pointed out that a projected sea developed adaptation strategies in a impacts in the future, no matter how level rise of 0.2 m to 0.6 m by the multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary much emissions are reduced globally. year 2100 would result in accelerated approach to help the Pacific region This discussion will contribute to the erosion of coastal land, as well as work of our regional Pacific Adaptation intrusion of salt water into fresh water (.....cont’d on pg 20 to Climate Change project, as well as to informing work on future projects. ‘Climate change is one of the most serious and pressing problems for this region. It has the potential to render impossible any efforts at sustainable development and to make whole countries uninhabitable. While most of the responsibility for causing the problem rests with other countries, we cannot be complacent in improving our understanding of climate change and implementing workable adaptation options. It is my view that the PCCR can become a vital and catalytic engine for climate change work in the region. ‘We are all aware that the region can do little about reducing the In the forestry sector, an increase in CO2 may enhance growth and yield but may also affect species composition of forests and ecosystems, both of which are important to food security. In risk of climate change as our emissions some areas, mangroves could be lost. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 7 Land Resources News association’s part in this process is to Samoa Farmers Association, help mobilise its members to make use meeting challenges for of this support. Planting material small-holders Tuaopepe says that with the keen interest and demand at present for he Samoa Farmers Association Samoa, the majority of Samoan farmers taro planting material, the association was set up to represent the are small-holders still cultivating T is currently helping members access interests of farmers, especially small- customary lands in traditional ways the new and recommended taro holder farmers, at the national and within Samoa’s village system. Crop varieties from the ministry’s nursery at international level. The association sees production is a mixture of subsistence Nu’u. And with the help of FAO, the one of the main challenges today as and cash with minimal use of modern association will soon be launching a helping small-holder farmers make the technology and technical expertise. series of on-farm training sessions and transition from subsistence to a more Access to finance, technical support on farm and buyer visits for its members in market-oriented approach in order to pest management, unstable markets and a bid to strengthen the links of small- make full use of the new opportunities high costs of inputs like fertiliser and holder farmers with markets. This becoming available with the changing pesticides continue to be challenges. programme is part of the association’s economic situation at home and abroad. Small-holder farmers are fruit and vegetable sector plan and will Among other things, the association increasingly meeting the demand for run for all of next year. More recently, helps to mobilise farmers and to national food security. New specialty the association has been working in represent their views and needs to products such as nonu and virgin partnership with the ministry to take government and development partners, coconut oil have managed to develop training to selected rural localities and works to link farmers with markets. overseas niche markets. But these are so that it is more accessible to local In Samoa, agriculture relatively small and in some cases still communities. development appears to be the focus in the developmental stage. Other projects in the pipeline of renewed interest and support. And include revival of the heat treatment that is good news, says Samoa Farmers Generous support for farming plant to encourage exports of fresh Association president Tuaopepe Dr Samoa Farmers Association receives produce, research and development Felix Wendt. assistance from organisations such of fertiliser more suitable to Samoan ‘Agriculture’s contribution as the Secretariat of the Pacific farming conditions and development of to Samoa’s gross domestic product Community (SPC), the United Nations new crops such as lime with a proven may have declined both in relative Food and Agriculture Organization export market potential. Tuaopepe says and absolute terms to less than 10 (FAO), the European Union (EU), The all these programmes are possible only per cent in recent years, but it is still Australian Agency for International because of the support of the ministry the backbone of the economy for the Development (AusAID), the New and of Samoa’s development partners. majority of people. Agriculture is also Zealand Agency for International one of the vital supports of Samoa’s Development (NZAID), and the Japan Business Manager distinctive way of life,’ said Tuaopepe. International Cooperation Agency To strengthen its own capacity to (JICA), as well as the People’s serve its members, the Samoa Farmers Small-holders Republic of China and Samoa’s Association has recently appointed Tuaopepe says that although the cash Ministry of Agriculture. The assistance a Business Manager to help the economy has made considerable has focussed on building the capacity Management Committee implement inroads into traditional farming in of farmers to improve farm productivity the association’s expanding work and to be able to programme. This is a big step forward meet the changing for the organisation and should help needs of markets and serve the best interests of members. the competition both It will also facilitate the continuation at home and abroad. of the partnerships between the Farmers have association and both the ministry and received support with the donor community. Membership in the cost of farming the association is open to all farmers inputs, training, and growers irrespective of the size of advice on production their farms or the crops they grow. and marketing, and (Article submitted by Afamasaga Toeleafoa, even in start-up Samoa Farmers Association) planting material For more information on the Samoa Farmers Association, please contact Afamasaga and equipment. The Toeleafoa by telephone at (685) 7530112 or In Samoa, agriculture development appears to be the focus of by email at [email protected]. renewed interest and support. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 8 Land Resources News
developed and conducted information EU monitoring mission communication technology (ICT)/food safety training in Solomon Islands. notes FACT progress The Annual FACT Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was held in elcome to second edition of by the project to the beneficiary Suva, Fiji Islands in July. The meeting WFACT update through Land firms are being or have already been was chaired by Mr Aleki Sisifa and Resources Division’s newsletter. The incorporated into the productive comprised five HoAFs (Mr Asuao Kirifi European Union-funded Facilitating practices of those firms, with benefits Pouono – CEO MoA, Samoa (current Agricultural Commodity Trade (FACT) that will last for as long as the firms chair of HOAFs); Mr Richard Beyer project has grown successfully and remain in production,’ Mr Guimaraes – former CEO Agriculture, Fiji; Mr has initiated myriad activities with its said. Edward Kingmele – PS/HoA, Solomon selected enterprises as well as overall ‘The equipment in question Islands; Mr Dambis Kaip – standing support for the industry. is generally simple and easy for the in for HoF, PNG, Ms Kinaai Kairo Since the last update there beneficiaries to maintain or replace, as – HoAF, Kiribati), Mr Howard Aru – was a visit by the European Union they have a direct interest in keeping it Center for Enterprise Development and monitoring mission to the Pacific functioning well.’ the members of the FACT Technical with the FACT project being assessed He also added that rather than Advisory Group (TAG). by Professor João Guimaraes (from ending, the project should lead to a Fiji-based enterprise Institute of Social Studies, Eramus second phase. representatives of the Foundation University, Rotterdam, Netherlands).Mr In addition to working with for Rural Intergrated Enterprises and Guimares noted that excellent progress its 14 enterprises, FACT was also in a Development (FRIEND), Balthan has been made by the FACT team and position to support the papaya industry (Western) Limited and Origins its enterprise partners. of the Pacific by facilitating a market Pacific Limited presented their ‘This is a highly relevant study in New Zealand, Australia, the overwhelmingly positive perspectives project that complements efforts in the United States of America and Japan. on their collaborations to date with region to enhance regional cooperation FACT recently (October) conducted FACT. Ms Cristina Casella (Delegation and integration,’ he said. a food processing and product of the European Commission for ‘Since this is a pilot project, development course for the students of the Pacific Regional Integration, staffing numbers (technical assistance SPC’s Community Education Training Environment and Natural Resources) component) are relatively high Centre in Narere, Fiji Islands. A total and Mr Teriba Pate- (PIFS) participated and project resources are managed of 31 women from around the Pacific as active observers in the PSC meeting. transparently and accountability is attended this training. embedded in the project design.’ FACT participated and Bamboo propagation The success of the project in provided support to the Heads of training producing outputs useful to its partner Forestry Meeting held in Nadi in firms and the readiness with which September this year, participated in reating awareness on the use of these firms have taken up the outputs the Kiaorana festival in Auckland to Cbamboo and exploring the range and incorporated them in their own promote Pacific Island products, was of species available to the Pacific were practices are good indications that actively involved in food processing the main focus of a bamboo propaga- the project will most likely achieve courses in the northern Pacific whereby tion and utilisation training session or- its planned results within the current approximately 30 new products were ganised by the Secretariat of the Pacific implementation time frame. Community’s Land resource Division ‘I also marvelled at the (LRD). enthusiasm and energy of the selected The training was held enterprises and I am quite happy with at Colo-I-Suva Silvicul- the partnerships that they have with ture Research Station (Fi- FACT.’ ji’s Ministry of Forestry) He added that the project is building and nursery on implemented by the Secretariat of the Tuesday 4 August from 9 Pacific Community, a well established am to 5 pm, with around regional organisation that offers 25 participants expected guarantees of sustainability and would to attend. almost certainly continue some of Mr Durnford Dart, the project work if the FACT project Chairman of Bamboo closed, provided it could find the Pty Ltd of Queensland resources. Australia conducted the FACT is a highly relevant project that complements efforts in the ‘The information, services region to enhance regional cooperation and integration...... EU and, in some cases, equipment provided monitoring mission (.....cont’d on pg 10) volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 9 Land Resources News FACT UPDATE - BAMBOO Samoa has been funded by the TRAINING EU FACILITATING European Union-funded Facilitating bamboo propagation training. AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY Agricultural Commodity Trade According to Mr. Dart, it is TRADE PROJECT (FACT) (FACT) project and SPC’s Forest and vital to identify the species of bamboo Agriculture Diversification project. adapted to Pacific Island environment The FACT project is implemented by to get the optimum return from these FACT UPDATE - the Land Resource Division of the useful plant species. AGROFORESTRY, THE Secretariat of the Pacific Community “Certain bamboo species grow (SPC) with the goal of increasing very well in tropical climates like Fiji FUTURE OF GLOBAL agricultural and forestry trade within and other Pacific Islands hence creating LAND USE the region and exports from it by awareness on its utilisation and training he 2nd World Congress of ensuring a consistent and quality on its propagation is the way forward.” TAgroforestry was held at the supply. “Through this training, we aim to United Nations Conference facilities educate the locals on the care and in Nairobi, Kenya 23–28 August 2009. FACT complements efforts aimed at maintenance of bamboo so that they The congress was jointly hosted by the enhancing regional cooperation and start to realise the substantial benefits World Agroforestry Centre (formerly integration. This includes the policy from bamboo,” Mr Dart said. known as ICRAF) and the United commitment of the European Union Bamboos include the world’s Nations Environment Programme under the Cotonou Agreement to largest grasses, growing up to 36 (UNEP). facilitate the integration of Pacific meters high with diameters that can It was attended by more ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific exceed 30 cm. Bamboo plants produce than 1200 participants from all over Group of States) into regional and an annual crop of new shoots that the world. Its overall theme was global economies. telescope into poles at up to a meter per ‘Agroforestry, the future of global day. Once established the clumps may land use’. The sub-themes were FACT aims to assist export oriented, be harvested annually over hundreds of ‘Food security and livelihoods’; market-driven enterprises that will years. ‘Conservation and rehabilitation of consistently supply overseas market Mr Dart added that different bamboo natural resources’; and ‘Policies and with competitive agricultural and species produce many products institutions’. forestry products. including two main crops: edible Researchers, educators, shoots and timber poles. Other uses scientists, practitioners and policy- For more information, please contact include handicraft, paper and biofuel makers from around the world freely FACT team leader, Dr Lex Thomson generation. exchanged ideas, knowledge and ([email protected]) “With other woody trees, one has to experiences on agroforestry and its incomes via the emerging carbon plant them and often wait 15 years positive impacts on food security, markets. before harvesting, after which you have poverty alleviation and stewardship of This includes the renewable to replant and wait again for the same the global environment. energy sector, but also the growing period. However with bamboo it takes Agroforestry has a key role prospect of smallholder farmers earning about 4–5 years for plants to establish in addressing the challenges of food an income by conserving forests, themselves and from then on it can security while conserving the natural practicing conservation agriculture and be harvested annually for hundreds of resource base upon which agriculture increasing tree cover on their farms years.” depends. – which sequester carbon. He also added that for the Pacific The science Islands, the main focus is to identify and practice of and establish bamboo as a substitute agroforestry timber material suitable for the will offer useful production of bamboo flooring, directions in plywood, charcoal and biofuel with solving the export potential. problem of how After visiting Fiji, Mr. Dart to feed a growing continued on to Samoa to oversee an population while electrification project where bamboo is protecting the being combined with coconut husk and environment. used as fuel wood to run a bio-diesel There is also generator. It is an efficient replacement an enormous for fossil fuels in the Pacific, this opportunity generator providing electricity for 10 to diversify villages. livelihoods and Mr Dart’s trip to Fiji and volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 10 Land Resources News
Cenon Padolina of the FACT UPDATE - FOOD amazed with the responses from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s SAFETY AWARENESS participants during feedback session.’ (SPC’s) Forests and Trees Programme TRAINING ‘Since then I have had was invited to the congress and made ood safety is everyone’s business, a chance to talk to some of the a presentation entitled ‘Promoting and it is a must that all those participants and all greatly enjoyed agroforestry in the Pacific’, while Prof. F involved with food processing either the course and said they found it very Randy Thaman of the University of for home consumption or for business beneficial,’ Mr Vinning said. the South Pacific (USP) and Dr Lex observe good food safety practices. According to one participant Thomson, Team Leader for SPC’s With this in mind, the European Ms Mary Olofia, the training was Faciliating Agricultural Commodity Union-funded Facilitating Agricultural very helpful as there are many issues Trade (FACT) project, made a joint Commodity Trade (FACT) project to consider when one is in the food presentation titled ‘Agroforestry on organised a three-day food safety processing business. the frontline against climate change, awareness programme for 43 female ‘Often we used to ignore biodiversity erosion and global and 2 male participants in Honiara from minor issues but after this course I have recession: Agroforestry as a basis for 27 to 29 October 2009. realised the importance of observing all sustainability in the Pacific Islands’. Mr Manasa Katonivualiku the dos and don’ts in food processing. SPC, through its Forest and Mr Vinesh Prasad of FACT ‘We participants were also introduced and Trees Programme, is actively conducted the training, which was to ICT and the benefit it has if we promoting the concept and practice jointly sponsored by EU FACT/SPC are willing to learn and use it.’Ms of agroforestry throughout the Pacific and AusAID’s Agricultural Livelihoods Olofia believes that awareness on Islands, primarily through training/ Project (ALP). ICT/food safety has increased the workshops to build capacity at national One of the important issues level of confidence of the participants and local community levels. Support is involving food safety is proper and they can now strive to improve being provided to set up demonstration documentation and keeping abreast their practices during the course of trials and community nurseries, identify of developments around the world on conducting their business. and collect threatened tree species and food safety issues; therefore the use ‘I would also like to add that such cultivars, collect information on native of information and communication training is not only beneficial to tree propagation and diversification, technology (ICT) was also introduced commercial food processing but also plant trees in crop land areas, develop to participants. it can play a very important role in intercropping and multi-storey tree- The ICT component enabled improving the health of the community gardens, assess nutrient deficiencies, participants to better understand the at large. develop propagation techniques need for food safety and the import ‘Now I am certain that all and better understand how to plan requirements of countries to which participants will pay due attention and implement programmes for the they plan to export their value-added even if they prepare food at home protection and enrichment of existing processed food products. and as a result food poisoning can be systems. Mr Grant Vinning of ALP minimised. Strong emphasis is also welcomed the support of FACT and Ms Olofia added that ‘issues being placed on promoting awareness called for more collaboration in the like hygiene and proper processing had on the importance of protecting and future. often been neglected, but that now she disseminating knowledge of traditional ‘I appreciate the work that realises how important they are.’ agroforestry systems and integrating Manasa and Vinesh did with the food this knowledge with scientific FACT UPDATE - safety training in Solomons as I was technology. IMPROVING THE COCOA INDUSTRY IN SOLOMON ISLANDS he European Union-funded TFacilitating Agricultural Commod- ity Trade (FACT) project has engaged with a cocoa exporting company from Honiara, Solomon Islands, to support communities and provide an alternative source of livelihood. Direct Management Limited (DML) is one of the 14 enterprises the FACT project is supporting. By engag- ing with this company, the project aims Participants to the food safety training in Honiara: the importance of food safety training is not only beneficial to commercial food processing but also to improving the health of the community. (.....cont’d on pg 12) volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 11 Land Resources News to improve the entire cocoa supply when I had more strength in chain in order to benefit the industry as me so that I could have reaped a whole. more benefits.’ The FACT project is managed Previously, David used to within the Land Resource Division harvest only 6–8 good pods per of the Secretariat of the Pacific plant as the others were affected Community with the goal of increasing with black pod disease, but the agricultural and forestry trade within scenario is different today. His the region and exports from it by cocoa plants are loaded with ensuring a consistent and quality beautiful cocoa pods and he supply. harvests 35 to 40 good pods per Margaret Ilala, DML’s Direc- plant. This translates to more tor, believes FACT’s assistance has income for David and, as he is a been very timely as it has accelerated supplier for DML, the supply of to receive requests for data from the company’s plans to move a notch dry beans is expected to increase. throughout the Pacific. Launching the up in cocoa supply and marketing. Meanwhile, Dr John Konam, database online will further increase ‘We are grateful to the FACT project former Plant Pathologist with SPC who the number of users in the region is now working with the Cocoa Liveli- and their level of access to accurate hood Improvement Project (CLIP), be- trade data. This will significantly lieves FACT’s engagement with DML assist stakeholders both within and has impacted the whole cocoa industry. outside the region to develop accurate ‘FACT started IPDM in Hon- trade policy, better engage in trade iara and this has really brought about a negotiations and identify market total paradigm shift in the communities opportunities. as far as cocoa farming is concerned. It will also reduce the burden ‘Now under CLIP we are on Pacific Island statistical departments taking forward the idea of IPDM to to respond to external data requests. all farmers with the aim of increasing The database will also production of quality beans.’ provide valuable input into programme The FACT project aims to development at SPC and other agencies for assisting us in fast tracking the promote cocoa as an alternative source that are members of CROP (Council of work of DML.’ of income for farmers as moves are in Regional Organisations in the Pacific) FACT will assist DML in con- place to stop the export of round logs and ensure that their programmes are structing a shed for cocoa bean storage by 2012. based on accurate information and are and will provide technical assistance to FACT UPDATE - tailored to member country needs. DML farmers to improve supply and Through this project, SPC will quality. REGIONAL TRADE continue to provide capacity building FACT production technician STATISTICS DATABASE assistance to government statistics Sanfred Smith will be working with he Pacific Regional Trade departments and to contribute to farmers that who will be supplying TStatistics Database project, improving the quality and availability cocoa to DML in improving the field funded by the Secretariat of the of statistical information on trade. sanitation in order to improve their Pacific Community (SPC) through its Mr Tim Martyn, Resource production. Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Economist with SPC’s Land Resources One of the major tasks cur- Trade (FACT) project, is on track to Division, oversees the management of rently being undertaken by the FACT launch an online, freely accessible and the Regional Trade Statistics Database team is pruning and maintenance of the searchable database by early next year. with Mr Rajhnael Deo, FACT Trade existing cocoa plantation to bring back The database will enable Facilitation Assistant, responsible for it into production and prevent black interested parties from around the day-to-day management and updating pod disease. world to access and analyse export and of the database Farmers have undergone train- import data from 10 Pacific countries ing on coca field management under a (Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Kiribati, programme known as integrated pest Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and disease management (IPDM). Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, David Kebu, one of the farmers, was Vanuatu), at a Harmonized System emotional and believed that such train- code six-digit level, providing a level of ing is a blessing for cocoa farmers of accuracy and detail hitherto unavailable Solomon Islands. in the Pacific region. ‘I wish that this training had As awareness of the project been conducted some 20 years ago has grown, SPC LRD continues volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 12 Land Resources News
Fiji REDD policy scoping workshop he Intergovernmental Panel on important mitigation mechanism in TClimate Change has confirmed the developing countries. However, we vulnerability of small island states to need to recognise that it should not be the effects of climate change. Extreme seen as an alternative to SFM but rather weather events that may be linked a component of it.’ This statement is to climate change, such as floods, in support of the Fiji Islands’ national droughts, cyclones and accompanying communication to the UNFCCC waves and tidal surges are already secretariat, which considers SFM to be impacting communities globally, as the basis for all mitigating strategies. well as in the Pacific region. For Pacific A REDD regime will need Island countries, these natural hazards to ensure that the rights of resource and rising sea levels pose serious owners are protected and that the challenges that cannot be wished away. services provided by their forests Changes in temperature and rainfall are enhanced in terms of financial, patterns will affect yields and the environmental and social benefits. species and varieties of crops. More This workshop is the beginning The rights of resource owners are protected under a REDD regime. extreme rainfall patterns could result of a consultative process for the in production losses due to heat stress, development of a national REDD Forest and Land Cover Dynamics), drought conditions, increased flooding strategy that strives to be conducive an international expert on this subject of river catchments and soil erosion. to the sustainable development of provided insights on international The Fiji National REDD resource owners and the country whilst requirements and procedures and the (Reducing Emissions from effectively reducing carbon emissions. approaches that can be taken to assess Deforestation and forest Degradation) Agriculture conversion was identified deforestation and forest degradation. policy scoping workshop held in as a major cause for deforestation in Accurate, robust and reliable September 2009 considered a draft Fiji. Other main causes included forest information is critical not only for any REDD policy statement for Fiji Islands. clearance for settlement (mainly coastal future REDD regime but for current A REDD framework for Fiji will need forests) and clear felling of plantations. UNFCCC greenhouse gas reporting as to address the drivers of deforestation Initiatives addressing the drivers of well. and forest degradation. Workshop forest-based carbon emissions will need A gap analysis on the carbon participants represented stakeholders to be supported and strengthened. monitoring capacities in Fiji revealed in forestry, environment, agriculture The monitoring of carbon the need for more consistent and and land use, provincial development, is an essential component of REDD verifiable data and the need for all culture and heritage, and indigenous and the IPCC guidelines for land stakeholders to contribute to the land, affairs, as well as landowners. The use, land use change and forestry land use change, and forestry data. workshop included thematic sessions (LULUCF) emissions call for regular Datasets will be gathered from forest on policy-related aspects and carbon and consistent monitoring of carbon inventories, land use assessments, monitoring. stocks, area and changes in the area of agriculture surveys, forest plantation Currently REDD is a forestland, and other land uses. records, land development records controversial issue in climate change Dr Ian Payton of Landcare Research and others and compiled in a common circles. In the recent United Nations in New Zealand discussed carbon format for analysis. Furthermore, Forum on Forests (UNFF-8) meeting in inventory methodologies and processes. there is a need to develop the New York, the Secretariat of the Pacific Inventory methodologies to improve capacities of relevant technical Community (SPC) emphasised the carbon stock estimates of native forests persons and a standard monitoring and development of a REDD mechanism and planted forests cover the above- inventorying procedure will need to within the context of a sustainable ground live pool, below ground pool, be established to ensure consistent and forest management (SFM) regime and dead wood and litter pools, and soil accurate measurement and to enable delivered the statement, ‘we want to organic matter. comparative assessments. reiterate the region’s vulnerability to A key issue in forest carbon The workshop was organised impacts of climate change and that monitoring is ‘forest area change’, by the German Technical Cooperation we welcome the ongoing work at as this is an indicator of change in (GTZ), in close collaboration with UNFCCC [United Nations Framework carbon pools. Remote sensing is a SPC, the Fiji Forestry Department and Convention on Climate Change] and tool to detect and assess forest area the Fiji Department of Environment. other fora to address the issue including change. Dr Martin Herold of GOFC/ For more information, please contact the consideration of REDD as an GOLD (Global Observation for Christine Fung, [email protected]. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 13 Land Resources News Fiji’s Ministry of Primary Industries Fiji floods – technical (MPI) for the first two quarters of 2009 showed an increase in crop assistance for agricultural production and area under cultivation a few months following the floods and rehabilitation corresponding with the beginning of PC has a mandate to help Kumala matures in three months, rehabilitation efforts. Simprove the lives of rural thus providing for faster relief of communities in the Pacific. In line demand for root crops while other Strengthening the with this commitment, SPC’s Land crops of interest can be rehabilitated supply of planting Resources Division collaborated with at a later stage. Kumala cuttings were the Fiji Ministry of Primary Industries also planted in strategic localities at material in Fiji for to provide planting material and government research station nurseries, food security technical assistance to Fiji farmers providing needed backup for additional he SPC Centre for Pacific affected by the January 2009 floods. requests. A total of 285,000 kumala TCrops and Trees (CePaCT) is a An AusAID grant of $413,000 was cuttings were distributed, benefiting well-equipped and staffed regional allocated for “The Fiji Flood – Support over 500 farmers. Around 45,500 genebank. As a regional genebank, for Agricultural Rehabilitation” cuttings were distributed to the four CePaCT provides a service to 22 SPC programme, which centered on the government nurseries at Koronivia, member countries – it does not have following activities in crop production. Nacocolevu, Dobuilevu, and Seaqaqa. the capacity to provide a large volume Mr Fereti Atu, LRD of planting material to an individual entomology technician coordinated Vegetable seeds, seedling and building country. However, CePaCT can link SPC’s contribution towards flood nursery capability. to a national laboratory, providing a rehabilitation work. The provision of vegetable seeds and realistic number of stock plants from seedlings allowed farmers to quickly which the national laboratory can Immediate food security enhancement – return to their farming routine without produce the numbers of plants required. collection, bulking up, and distribution the challenge of acquiring seed. Seeds The Fiji national tissue of sweet potato (kumala) planting for direct-seeding were distributed culture laboratory at Koronivia material to rural households. to farmers while seedlings were Research Station (KRS) does not Sweet potato was selected supplied by commercial nurseries. have the capacity to produce the as the crop best suited to providing Selected commercial nurseries were large volumes of planting material “immediate food security”. The crop provided with materials such as seed required for food security. And is early maturing and also easy to trays, potting mix and shade cloth because of its location within KRS, it propagate. Sweet potato nurseries to expand their space and seedling is not possible to expand the existing were set up in strategic locations to capacity. These commercial nurseries laboratory. The SPC CePaCT team has supplement the planting material that will be able to sustain production of worked closely with MPI Director of was immediately distributed. The sweet vegetable seedlings as small/micro Research, Moti Autar, and Principal potato nurseries will now provide a nursery enterprises, strengthening Research Officer, Agronomy, Mr backup source of planting material the availability of vegetable planting Poasa Nauluvula, to identify a site during times of natural disaster, such material in Fiji, an important for the “new” KRS tissue culture as floods which occur quite frequently consideration for when climatic in Fiji and are increasingly becoming extremes affect crops in the field. more extreme. The inclusion of vegetable seeds Distribution of kumala and seedlings in the rehabilitation cuttings targeted heavily affected areas programme was to ensure affected in the western, central and northern farmers have a continuous food source divisions and included Sigatoka Valley, following distribution of national food Nadi, Ba, Wainibuka and Labasa. rations, to enable them to continue with their normal lives after the disaster. Over 9,000 people were direct beneficiaries of this assistance. This number will increase once all reports are received. Well over 500 hectares were planted with vegetable seeds. Figures provided by volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 14 Land Resources News laboratory. Funds for construction are available from AusAID under “The Biocontrol effective option Fiji Flood – Support for Agricultural Rehabilitation” project, and also from for the Pacific islands the Ministry. Plans have been drawn up he crowns of cycad plants in Palau Sengebau added that they have a public and it is anticipated that work on the Tare once again returning to lush awareness campaign asking people not new laboratory will commence in late green after the successful introduction to cut down their cycad plants to allow 2009. of a ladybird beetle as a biological the ladybird beetle to feed on the scale. Human resource capacity can control agent to fight the invasive The successful biocontrol project was a be a constraint in the establishment and pest, Asian cycad scale (Aulacaspis collaboration between the University of development of any technology. With yasumatsui). Cycads are very popular Guam, US Forest Services and SPC. this in mind, this project has funds ornamental plants in Palau and the Another Pacific Islander available to support a tissue culture scale insect became a particular threat attending the workshop, Samoan officer to manage the KRS tissue to these and other native cycads. The entomologist Fuifatu Billy Enosa, culture laboratory. These funds would Asian scale is a tiny insect that can reported on biocontrol work carried also enable the tissue culture officer attach to plants, equipment and even out at Nuu Research Station. The to pursue further studies, either a clothes and easily move to new areas. postgraduate diploma and/or a Masters A senior Palau agricultural in tissue culture at the University of official attending the recent Pacific the South Pacific. The SPC Genetic Biocontrol Workshop in Auckland Resources team would work with (16–18 November 2009), Mr Fernando the University of the South Pacific Sengebau, said despite precautionary in supervising these postgraduate measures such as stopping importation studies. This USP/SPC collaboration is of cycads from Guam, which reported well-established and several Masters’ the presence of the pest in 2003, the students and one PhD student have cycad scale pest was found in Palau The rust fungus, Puccinia spegazzinii could graduated through this system of in 2004. Native cycads are abundant become an effective biocontrol agent for Mile- support and collaboration. Once the on the landmark Rock Islands of a-minute weed. laboratory is established and up and Palau. The scale is not found in the rhinoceros beetle is still a major pest of running, the SPC Genetic Resources picturesque Rock Islands yet, but the coconut in Samoa. He reported that a team will continue to provide technical new pest became a threat as it had resurgence of rhinoceros beetle damage support and back-up. no natural enemies present in Palau in recent years has prompted scientists This activity also agreed when it arrived on the main islands at Nuu to increase their efforts to to provide at least 50 tubes each of of Koror and Babeldaob. Fortunately, control the damaging nocturnal pest. various crops/varieties to the KRS one of its natural enemies, the ladybird Clearing breeding sites of rotting logs laboratory. This activity is currently beetle (Rhyzobius lophanthae), was and debris remains the most effective on hold until the KRS laboratory is already present in Guam, having been control measure for rhinoceros beetle, up and running. However, bearing in introduced there as a biocontrol agent. which attacks the growing young leaves mind the urgency of activities linked University of Guam of coconuts, resulting in mature leaves to climate change, 20 varieties (60 entomologist, Dr Aubrey Moor, helped having a saw-tooth-like appearance. plants) of drought and salt tolerant introduce the ladybird beetle into Palau, These plantation hygiene measures sweet potato were acclimatised in the successfully raising colonies in the are in addition to work involving CePaCT post-entry quarantine (PEQ) laboratory and releasing it at 29 sites trapping and baiting of adult beetles. facility. This system, whereby any including the Rock Islands. Research continues regionally into plants obtained from outside the region Palau has successfully raised the use of two biocontrol agents, the are acclimatised in the CePaCT PEQ, colonies of the ladybird beetle for has been approved by Fiji Quarantine release to new breakout sites. Mr. (.....cont’d on pg 16) (FQIS), which will observe the plants during their time in the CePaCT PEQ facility before authorising their release. This system was agreed on to fast-track the release process. In fact, these plants were recently released to KRS for further multiplication prior to multi- locational evaluation. For more information, please contact: [email protected]
Familiar faces at the Pacific Biocontrol Workshop discussed the benefits of biocontrol as a management tool for invasives species. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 15 Land Resources News BIOCONTROL EFFECTIVE conditions of Pacific Islands. OPTION FOR THE PACIFIC In their presentation to the Pacific Biocontrol Workshop, entomophagous fungus, Metharizium delegates from New Caledonia told anisopliae, and the Oryctes virus. SPC the gathering that New Caledonia is is helping Pacific Island countries and the 3rd World Biodiversity Hotspot, territories increase technical capacity in after Hawaii and New Zealand for the control of rhinoceros beetle through terrestrial and marine life. In addition, both research and provision of technical the French territory has been declared advice on the use of biocontrol agents, the 1st World Biodiversity Hotspot and trapping and baiting equipment. for vascular plants, with over 76% Participants at the Auckland of described plant species endemic workshop also discussed invasive ants, to New Caledonia. In addition, over especially the threat of the red imported 90% of reptiles and 93% of molluscs fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, are endemic as well. Threats to the which is in Pacific Rim countries but territory’s biodiversity include fire, not yet in island countries. Incursions invasive species and mining. Darcy Oishi, Department of Agriculture, of RIFA have been recorded in University of Hawaii explains a point on neighbouring New Zealand where it has community awareness for biocontrol work. Lessons learnt already been eradicated twice, but an cases, such as vegetable farming Discussions focused on lessons learnt outbreak in Brisbane is still the focus systems, biocontrol agents must be in conducting biocontrol work and of an expensive eradication programme accepted as part of an integrated pest ways to develop a strategy for safely in Australia. An ant decapitating fly management strategy. Policy makers using this scientific tool for managing being used in the United States might must also be made aware of the benefits invasive plant and arthropod (insect) offer some relief as a biocontrol of biocontrol to facilitate the smooth pest threats in the region. For example, solution to RIFA. The little fire ant, introduction of useful biocontrol based on others’ experiences, countries Wasmannia auropunctata, which has agents, host testing research and field are urged to: already established itself in Papua release of proven safe agents. • consider eradication of pests New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New The Pacific Biocontrol Workshop before introducing biocontrol Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tahiti, and Wallis ended by emphasising that biocontrol • develop linkages between and Futuna, was reported to be the is the only logical and sustainable agriculture and biodiversity sectors so most important ant threatening Pacific solution for managing widespread or they are not at odds as has happened in Island livelihoods, economies and the localised invasive pests in the region, the past environment. Increasing trade between and stressing the need to work together • strengthen biosecurity the islands and the larger continents with the larger islands and countries systems to stop new invasives entering is the likely pathway for invasive ants to share knowledge, capacity and best the islands reaching the Pacific. The Pacific Ant practice techniques. • assess the extent or size of Prevention Programme run by SPC was A steering group has now been set up to an invasion, get agreement from all established as a regional programme develop a regional biocontrol strategy relevant stakeholders if the invasive is a to raise awareness on invasive ants for the Pacific and to seek funding from targeted pest, and do not use vertebrate and counter their potential impacts on donors for regional projects. animals for biocontrol or targets the biodiversity and socio-economic The Pacific Biocontrol Strategy • ensure completion of Development Workshop was organised appropriate host testing, and in a collaborative effort between SPC’s do not rush in with biocontrol Land Resources Division, LandCare agents New Zealand, the United States • take a regional Forest Service in Hawai’i , the Pacific approach and share costs Invasives Initiative, and the Pacific and expertise so individual Invasives Learning Network based at countries or organisations do SPREP. Scientists, plant protection and not carry the burden. quarantine experts and information Public awareness was managers attended the workshop. The identified as critical to participation of SPC staff was made any successful biocontrol possible by funding from AusAid, campaign. Local NZAID and ACIAR. communities need to be aware of introduced For more information, please contact Warea Orapa, biocontrol agents. In some Coordinator, Plant Health Team: [email protected]. Maintaining clean plantations, including trapping and baiting for adult beetles (above) are effective control measures for rhinoceros beetle management. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 16 Land Resources News
INVASIVE SPECIES COMPENDIUM CABI Compendium on An International Development Consortium is compiling the Invasive invasive species Species Compendium (ISC). It will be griculture has to be looked at as With content being prepared by released in 2010 as a multimedia Aa business, not just subsistence 1,000 scientists across the globe, the encyclopaedic treatment of several farming. This will allow farmers invasive species compendium will thousand invasives (http://www. CABIcompendium.org). The ISC will be to earn cash and with extra money be a global knowledge resource that the most extensive and authoritative farmers have a choice – a choice for will bring together in one place the compilation on the subject, and will be their future, said Dr Trevor Nichols, world’s expert knowledge on invasive available for use on an open-access Director of CABI, at the opening of the species, including pests and disease basis. Development Consortium Workshop of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The ISC is being developed by held at CABI headquarters in The invasive species compendium a Development Consortium of partners, Wallingford, UK, 21–23 October 2009. is intended to be sustainably led by CABI International in association Dr Nichols said that pests integrated into the global repository with the US Department of Agriculture and diseases will continue to impact of information on invasiveness and (USDA). agriculture development and that with management. trade we will see an increase in pests CABI is planning to launch the standalone versions of the compendium and diseases. invasive species compendium toward are desirable in areas with poor Developing countries have the end of 2010. CABI development Internet connectivity or unreliable inadequate access to information; partners around the globe will be or expensive telephone services and therefore, the development of holding their own activities to mark electricity. Extension officers can use compendia products is an important the launch of the new compendium. the illustrations and information to tool in information dissemination. The compendium will be accessible prepare training materials, and they The idea of a consortium developed through the World Wide Web. CABI can use the diagnostic photographs for by CABI was to undertake a project is now working with a consortium of conflict resolution and confirmation such as developing compendia with stakeholders that wish to support open of diagnosis. The compendium can be like-minded people, sharing ideas, access to the compendium. copied onto a CD, DVD or USB stick, spreading the costs, and sharing the The online version of the or onto a computer’s hard disk for benefits. compendium has many advantages, faster operation. Thus far, four compendia have including the ability to update SPC Land Resources Division been delivered – on crop protection, publication data in real time, a search is a partner in the development forestry, animal health and production, interface with advanced search options, consortium. Warea Orapa, Head of and aquaculture. A compendium on and flexibility of use, including the Plant Health, is the SPC representative. invasive species is currently under ability to download PDFs and copy and For more information, please contact development with funding assistance paste text. [email protected], or [email protected]. from the US Department of Agriculture. However, local delivery or
CABI, a non-profit international organisation, has a mission to provide information and apply scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. (Photo: Mike Amphlett, CABI). volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 17 Land Resources News The Pacific and the Radio should be Brussels Declaration used more for The declaration calls on donors and ACP development partners and the private sharing agricultural sector to invest in ARD and emphasise information sharing and partnerships. information ack of media interest in agriculture he ACP/EU Technical countries. It is a living document and a can be partly blamed on a shortage Centre for Agricultural and L T testimony of the efforts stakeholders in of funding and poor logistics. Rural Cooperation (CTA) held an ARD and the media intend to make. In her presentation on the role of international seminar on the “Role of What will still be required radio in agriculture development in the media in agricultural development is a reminder of these commitments the Pacific at a recent CTA (Technical in ACP countries (West, Central, East and of the progress made, as well as a Centre for Agricultural and Rural and Southern Africa, the Caribbean record of efforts to give ARD issues the Cooperation) media seminar in and the Pacific)” in Brussels, Belgium recognition they deserve. Brussels, SPC radio producer, Rita between 12 and 16 October 2009. The Brussels Declaration Narayan highlighted the challenges that The seminar aimed to contribute to looked at ‘the critical importance of regional radio stations face in obtaining the preparation of strategies for media agriculture in the development of and broadcasting information on capacity building with regard to access ACP countries given that two-thirds of agriculture and rural development. and dissemination of information on their population live in rural areas and In Nauru, for instance, key issues for the ACP agricultural depend largely on agriculture for their information on agriculture-related sector; strengthen communication livelihoods. However, the agricultural activities is available if there is a links between the media and the sector and rural population do not not workshop underway or a consultant is agricultural sector; and to contribute have sufficient recognition in the ACP in town. Otherwise, agricultural news to the identification of media support media. And the information which is only broadcast in the weekly news programmes. they do receive may not be sufficiently bulletin, she told participants. The seminar provided a relevant to their diverse needs.’ Narayan said one of the platform to discuss challenges, It went on to say that the media’s role challenges identified by the station problems and hindrances in is important in overcoming obstacles manager is getting government highlighting ARD in Africa, to innovation, productivity and the departments to talk about what they are the Caribbean and the Pacific. sustainability of the agricultural sector doing to address issues such as food Experiences were shared, models and rural livelihoods. security, climate change and diseases were presented and issues regarding ‘The media includes in crops and livestock. ‘There is a the need to promote information and journalists and communicators proposal for a weekly programme, communication technology (ICT) working at local, national, regional and but the departments find it difficult to were highlighted. Discussions made international levels using a range of commit to providing information on a reference to the problems that farmers formats. An overarching observation regular basis because of a lack of staff and rural dwellers face. and recommendation from the seminar and sometimes of information,’ she An important lesson learned was the need to build the capacities said. is the need to involve the people who of the media, agricultural producers The seminar heard that in will be affected by this information on and their organisations, researchers, Tuvalu, information is provided agriculture and rural development. scientists and universities, national by the agriculture ministry and the The final document – the governments and regional institutions. programmes prepared by programmers Brussels Declaration – is a guide and a The declaration calls on at the national radio station. In Fiji, statement of commitment from the ACP donors and ACP development partners however, information officers in the and the private sector Ministry of Agriculture have received to invest in ARD and training in producing radio programmes emphasise information from Fiji Broadcasting Ltd as part of sharing and partnerships. its responsibilities as a public service CTA assisted with broadcaster. funding to allow the Narayan suggested that participation of SPC information and extension officers, and regional media community workers and representatives specialists to the of youth and women’s groups be given international seminar. basic training in radio broadcasting to provide short, effective programmes for broadcast. This type of training, which CTA and SPC staff join regional media specialists at the interna- can be provided by SPC’s Regional tional seminar on the critical role of media in agriculture and rural Media Centre, could help ensure a development. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 18 Land Resources News constant supply of agriculture and rural The radio trainer highlighted Promoting development news. the need for capacity building of Another area that she said journalists. In the past 10 years, there nutrition rich needs to be explored is the use of has not been any media training at community radio as a means of national or regional level on reporting orange-fleshed effectively sharing information with on agriculture, she said. ‘We have bananas rural communities and the outer islands had numerous training sessions and esearch in the Federated States of the Pacific. workshops on reporting on HIV, of Micronesia (FSM) by Dr Most community radio stations environmental issues, climate change R Lois Englberger and colleagues has in the Pacific are operated by Christian and regional trade. Perhaps it is now shown that the Pohnpei Karat banana, organisations, churches, women’s time to look at training journalists, a Fe’i banana of the Australimusa groups and training institutions. producers and managers about the series (sometimes referred to as ‘It is important for importance of the agriculture sector Musa troglodytarum) contains stakeholders to form partnerships with to the Pacific Islands and the need for exceptionally rich concentrations of the operators of community radio better reporting on agriculture and rural riboflavin (Vitamin B2) in addition to stations to encourage the dissemination development issues. Take for example, beta-carotene and total carotenoids. of agriculture and extension issues around marketing agricultural Following this work in Micronesia, a information. We need them on board produce and the World Trade project was designed to identify and if we are talking about the impact of Organisation. If journalists understand raise awareness of the high nutritional climate change on food security, and the intricacies of trade agreements, value of orange- and yellow-fleshed about poverty alleviation and alternate plant and animal health issues, bananas in Solomon Islands and Papua livelihoods for Pacific Islanders.’ biosecurity, etc. they will communicate New Guinea. Community radio stations are better.’ This project brought able to fill the gaps left by mainstream As far as agriculture in together intersectoral collaboration in radio and allow the silent voices to the Pacific is concerned, farming agriculture and nutrition, government participate in the development process, is an important source of food and and non-government, to work with she added. employment, Narayan said. The local communities to raise awareness A call was also made to seminar heard that food security is a about the value of local food varieties establish a network to support major concern for the Pacific, with in comparison with many of the journalists, radio producers and political leaders calling for an increase popular imported foods. This work programmers. The network, Narayan in the production of local food at the is important as it has the potential to said, could be extended to include 39th annual meeting of the leaders of help communities become aware of scientists, researchers and other the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue in the cultural, health, environmental, providers of relevant information in 2008. economic and food security benefits of agriculture communication. It could ‘At the end of the day,’ local food resources. The awareness also provide training and awareness Narayan said, ‘You want farmers, campaign has so far involved 21 raising. exporters, communities and other workshops in communities in Solomon ‘The network could see an interest groups to receive the right Islands and seven in PNG. The Go exchange of the latest information on information and data to help them Local message that local foods are government agricultural policies and make informed decisions, and thus very healthy to eat has been taken up research developments. It could also improve their livelihoods and their enthusiastically by people in all walks facilitate an exchange of programmes communities.’ of life in both countries. People feel with radio stations in the Pacific as well For more information, please empowered by the message of how rich as other regions where content may be contact: [email protected] their local foods are. relevant, such as the Caribbean.’ To identify local bananas in Solomon Islands, a participatory, inter-agency multiple methodology approach (including ethnography, key informant interviews, informal focus group discussions, photography, market survey, and literature review) was used around Kirakira on the northern coast of Makira and a more remote area on the weather coast, reached by flying to Santa Ana, and then going by canoe to Manivovo, Mami, and Mwakorukoru
Farming is an important source of food and employment in the Pacific, and farmers need the (...cont’d on pg 20) right information and data to help them make informed decisions to improve their livelihoods. volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 19 Land Resources News SOLOMON ISLANDS A poster in English and PACIFIC CLIMATE CHANGE BANANA POSTER...from pg 19 Solomons Pijin, showing the beta- ROUNDTABLE....from pg 7 villages. On Makira, information carotene content of 12 Makira banana cope with the effects of climate change. was recorded from about 65 banana varieties was drafted by Dr Wendy In the agriculture and varieties, including common names, Foley with the collaboration of Dr forestry sector, SPC has facilitated the cultivation details, culinary uses and Lois Englberger, Jeff Daniells and Dr development of climate-ready crop cultural value. We also heard of about Graham Lyons. The poster was trialed varieties that are resilient to salt water 20 other varieties, although time did in workshops in Solomon Islands and intrusion, drought, flooding and high not allow fuller investigation of these. in Papua New Guinea in 2008, when temperatures and for distributions to The two community based banana workshops were held on Malaita in PICTs. The climate ready collection conservation sites visited on Makira, Solomon Islands, at Malu’u, Basakana is being developed and is housed by were in the Bauro Highlands and on the Island, Gou’ulu, Royal Harbour and SPC’s Centre for Pacific Crops and weathercoast at Manivovo, contained at Kolofe and in Morobe Province in Trees (CePaCT). SPC is working least 52 banana varieties. About nine Papua New Guinea. With feedback with PICTs in building up capacity or ten of the banana varieties we saw from workshop participants and to conserve and utilise their national were different Fe’i cultivars (known collaborators from government and biodiversity. as Toraka on Makira), which ranks non-government agencies in Solomon In animal health SPC is Makira as one of the most important Islands and PNG, the posters were working with PICTs to address animal locations for diversity and abundance finalized and launched by Dr Graham diseases that may increase in a changed of Fe’i banana anywhere. Lyons through the Kastom Gaden environment. Despite difficulties due to Association (KGA) in Solomon Islands The potential of forests to transport and quarantine regulations and the National Agricultural Research mitigate climate change is being with the samples for nutrient analysis, Institute (NARI) in PNG. addressed by SPC’s Forest and Trees 16 banana samples were collected, This project was conducted Programme with the assistance of including some Toraka varieties, for with the support of Secretariat of the GTZ (German Technical Cooperation), nutrient analysis at the Institute of Pacific Community (SPC), HarvestPlus, which is working on conservation of Applied Science, University of the the Australian Centre for International tropical forests as well as sustainable South Pacific. These analyses indicated Agricultural Research (ACIAR), management of forests by communities, that many Solomon Islands bananas, Island Food Community of Pohnpei, with the good example in Kosrae of like those in FSM, are good sources of the University of Adelaide, Solomon Yela community forestry management. beta-carotene. Islands KGA, Ministry of Agriculture In fisheries, SPC is facilitating and Livestock the use of low-cost fish aggregating and Ministry of devices (FADs), and promoting small Health and Medical pond aquaculture for subsistence Services, Solomon fisheries. Islands, in PNG In public health, SPC NARI, and local is working with international communities in development partners including the both countries. World Health Organization (WHO) Special thanks go on adaptation strategies for non- to Dr Mary Taylor communicable diseases, food and (SPC), Belden Taki, nutrition security, and a Pacific Pita Tikai, John and response to HIV and other sexually Joyce Murray, Peter transmitted infections with a north Warito, and Francis Pacific response team based in Pohnpei, Wehi in Solomon Federated States of Micronesia. Islands and Rosa SPC is also working in Kambuou, Maria gender mainstreaming and developing Linibi and Elick strategies that are equitable to Guaf in PNG. vulnerable groups including women (Article submitted and youth and addressing key issues by Wendy Foley. For such as food sources for food security. more information, With the support of the please contact Dr Lois Englberger, Island Food Australian Agency for International De- Community of Pohnpei: velopment (AusAID), SPC is working [email protected]) on developing climate change adapta- tion strategies. Several programmes are
(....cont’d to next page) volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 20 Land Resources News
Pacific active participation of members and their willingness to share Agriculture and information. A number of initiatives are Forestry Policy currently underway. A research Network updates and consultation process is being he Pacific Agriculture and Forestry undertaken to develop a draft TPolicy Network (PAFPNet) Agriculture and Youth Strategy was set up in 2006 with the aim of and Action Plan which will be facilitating the sharing of policy- consulted on widely during 2010 (see separate article). A Pacific relevant information and experience Capacity building to mobilise domestic financial between Pacific Island countries and Way programme on the topic is also resources for combating land degradation being produced. territories (PICTs) and providing a ensure this knowledge is documented Policy briefs on agriculture, network of experts to support the and shared across the organisation. development of policies at the national forestry and climate change and organic agriculture have been developed and regional level. PAFPNet Strategic Planning meeting by the network this year to provide Since 2006, PAFPNet has been – December 2009 policy-relevant information and rather inactive due to limited resources A meeting of PAFPNet members will recommendations to governments at LRD, which acts as its secretariat. take place in Nadi in early December and other stakeholders. These are Currently it operates an email list 2009. Its objectives are to develop a available online at www.spc.int/ to circulate relevant information to medium term strategic plan for the PAFPNet and hard copies can be interested stakeholders. network and a resource mobilisation requested by emailing the helpdesk LRD’s appointment of an strategy. It will also have specific ([email protected]). Further policy Agriculture and Forestry Policy sessions on evidence based policy briefs on the livestock sector, youth Adviser earlier this year and the making, mainstreaming climate change and agriculture, biosecurity legislation ongoing support of CTA to fund and working with researchers and and food security are currently being activities is helping to strengthen the educational institutions. developed. If you have a topic that network but it remains reliant on the This will be only the second time you would like a policy brief on please network member have met and it will contact [email protected] with your PACIFIC CLIMATE CHANGE... seek to develop priorities for the suggestions. ongoing, including one on assessing PAFPNet secretariat given its limited Other plans for 2010 include vulnerability of fisheries and aquacul- resources. ture to climate change. funding for specific capacity building For more information, please contact training, the development of a Pacific SPC is committed to carry PAFPNet secretariat, Marita Manley, Agriculture and Forestry Wiki that out, in collaboration with other CROP [email protected] (Council of Regional Organisations in will contain information about PICT the Pacific) agencies the 2008 Forum agriculture and forestry policies in one leaders’ mandate on climate change, place, continuing improvement of the Integrated Financing especially the call for approaches website and more policy briefs and Strategies to combat tailored to the Pacific. Also important research. are strengthening liaisons with non- Please let us know if you have land degradation governmental organisations (NGOs), any feedback on PAFPNet’s activities ainstreaming sustainable land regional climate change initiatives such and/or suggestions for its improvement. Mmanagement into budgetary as the Micronesian Challenge, and fully processes continues to be a big engaging the media for information dis- Events challenge in the Pacific. However, semination on climate change issues. Information and Communication with the assistance of the Global The 2nd PCCR agreed on a list Strategy Workshop – September 2009 Environment Facility, 14 Pacific of 14 outcomes and recommendations, With support from CTA, a workshop Island countries are in the process of which is now being finalised by SPREP on Information and Communication developing national action plans – with for circulation. Management (ICM) was held in 8 either having completed their NAPs Two SPC representatives were Nadi in September 2009. The key or in the final stages of this process. at the PCCR 2009 meeting in Majuro, focus of the meeting was supporting A workshop organised by the Amena Yauvoli, Director of the SPC countries develop strategies to manage Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Regional Office for the Northern Pa- information and communication (SPC’s) Land Resources Division cific, and Steve Hazelman of the Land products within their organisations. aimed to facilitate the implementation Resources Division. All too often institutional knowledge of national action plans in the Pacific. For more information, please contact rests with a few long serving The workshop invited key national [email protected]. individuals and risks being lost if mechanisms are not put in place to (....cont’d on pg 23) volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 21 Land Resources News Sustainable land management The PUA framework was developed in 2003 and became part of the Pacific for food security, land conflict Plan in 2005. The framework includes a strong land dimension with its focus balance development with conservation minimisation on urban land planning in relation to and is vital in ensuring continued here is an earnest drive for land customary land and the development productive use of land for food and policy reform in the Pacific as of peri-urban settlements. SPC is the T shelter and guardianship of land for national governments consider ways of implementing agency for the initiative. future generations. However, a major strengthening their land tenure systems. • Pacific Regional Land limiting factor for SLM in the Pacific Customary land owners too are Programme. The programme is an is the lack of data and information speculating on their present and future AusAID initiative developed in 2006 on rural land use and management, livelihoods and are considering radical to support countries in the region especially as customary and formal options for sustainable management of wanting to make more land available land management systems have co- traditional land. for economic and social development. existed independently of each other for Land is important for Its two long-term objectives are a long time. food security, shelter, community capacity building and coordination Land use planning (LUP) is development and economic prosperity. and information sharing. The first the systematic assessment of the bio- It is becoming even more important phase, which focused on identifying physical, social, and economic factors in the face of the challenges of innovative practices and key principles impacting on land. Participatory LUP urbanisation, migration, population for working effectively with customary is the involvement of stakeholders, growth and resource-related conflicts. forms of tenure in the Pacific, has been owners and users in all facets of LUP. Sustainable land management completed. The findings were released The Pacific Regional Land (SLM) is critical to addressing these in the report, Making Land Available, Initiative includes three components challenges and good knowledge of which was launched in 2008 at the land with potential to support and SLM practices allows customary land conference in Vanuatu. The second complement national and local land owners to make informed decisions phase, which involves assisting Pacific policy reform efforts in the Pacific: on land use. SLM can be defined as a Island countries to review their land • Land management and conflict process of integrating socio-economic tenure systems, began in 2008 in PNG, minimisation (LMCM). Land is central principles with environmental concerns Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. to the cultural identity of the Pacific to address issues of: Joint SPC/AusAID design mission for Islands. Conflicts over customary areas • Productivity – maintain or enhance the Pacific Regional Land Programme are potential sources of instability and production and services In July 2009, SPC and AusAID some Pacific states have a separate • Stability – reduce the level of agreed to undertake joint design of the court system to settle land disputes. production risk Pacific Regional Land Programme. Findings of research conducted by • Protection – protect the potential A joint approach was considered the Forum Secretariat in 2006 into the of natural resources and prevent appropriate because of the similar aims linkages between land management degradation of soil and water quality and stakeholders associated with the and conflict minimisation in the Pacific • Viability – be economically viable LMCM and PUA. The collaboration were presented to the Pacific Islands • Acceptability – be socially consulted with stakeholders in Fiji, Forum Leaders meeting in 2008, acceptable Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga which subsequently endorsed the during the design mission. implementation of the regional LMCM SPC Land Use Policy Adviser, Mr The Regional Land Initiative initiative by LRD. Inoke Ratukalou, says SLM is an will have three components: (1) • Pacific Urban Agenda (PUA). information sharing and coordination, integrated approach to developing and Urbanisation is increasing in the which will be provided through a land managing land resources. It attempts to Pacific, with associated problems including poor housing, resource centre to be based at LRD; lack of access to land (2) formal education and professional and water, and insecurity development with education activities of tenure. In 2007, an to be provided through the USP estimated 2.3 million Department of Land Management, people lived in urban with support for scholarships, staff areas in the Pacific development, etc.; and (3) a funding Islands out of a total facility with resources available population of 9.3 million. for prioritised activities of regional Urban growth will concern. The facility will work with continue to increase and service providers outside of SPC and PUA was established USP with direct linkages to landholders to address this concern. In the Pacific there is a lack of data and information on rural land and land practitioners. use and management. A steering group has been volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 22 Land Resources News set up to provide strategic oversight Cocoa pod borer threatens Solomon DIAGNOSING ANIMAL and advice and final consultations Islands cocoa exports DISEASES...from back page. will be held with USP and SPC to Cocoa pod borer was first reported resolve some issues before the design from the island of New Britain in Discussions during the five- Papua New Guinea in April 2006. The documentation can be finalised. day training confirmed that readily larvae of this moth bore into cocoa available and reliable diagnostic SPC is committed to helping pods and damage cocoa beans. The services at MAFBNZ IDC can be PICTs to develop national rural land pest has now reportedly spread into use policies, as recommended at the Bougainville, which shares a sea border made accessible to the Pacific region, heads of agriculture and forestry meet- with Solomon Islands. SPC is providing thus providing a reference laboratory. ing in 2004. Technical assistance has technical assistance through provision The organisation has a state-of-the- of quarantine awareness material, already been provided to Fiji and Cook art physical containment animal information on emergency response health laboratory facility (PC level Islands, while the current SPC/GTZ plans and pest surveillance systems to Adaptation for Climate Change project monitor the spread of the pest. If cocoa 3) established within the grounds of being carried out in Tonga and Vanuatu pod borer gets into Solomon Islands, its the MAFBNZ National Centre for allows for the development of their cocoa industry will be seriously affected. Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases located in Wallaceville. The facility national rural land use policies. Evaluation of PICT phytosanitary For more information, please contact capacity is currently used to handle animal [email protected], or [email protected] A two-year project funded by the World specimens suspected of containing Trade Organization Standards and exotic infectious animal diseases. IFS to Combat Land Trade Development Facility, through Continuous communication between Degradation...from pg 21 the FAO International Plant Protection SPC, MAFBNZ and participating Convention Secretariat, has just been countries will further promote a more stakeholders from the Pacific to look at completed. A workshop to discuss the the tools and techniques to formulate results of the evaluation was recently sustainable specimen referral system sustainable financing strategies held at SPC in Suva. The results will within the region. to address issues related to land be used by member states and SPC to The interaction also opened degradation. The workshop was held negotiate for capacity building in the opportunities for possible future areas of plant protection and biosecurity 27–31 July 2009 at Tanoa International collaboration between MAFBNZ, and trade facilitation. Preliminary results Hotel in Nadi, Fiji Islands, and was show that almost all member countries SPC and Pacific Island countries and well attended by representatives of the require assistance to upgrade their territories to improve surveillance Pacific Islands as well as Timor Leste diagnostic capacities, legislation and capacity in the region. The Pacific and the Maldives. infrastructure among other areas. SPC Islands will greatly benefit from the The Global Mechanism (GM) would like to thank the Standards and collaboration by having access to Trade Development Facility for funding of the United Nations Convention to advanced laboratory facilities and Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has the evaluation. direct communication links with an designed a capacity-building initiative experienced team of epidemiologists to enhance national competencies for ensure the continuation of sustainable and laboratory specialists. Similarly, resource mobilisation to combat land land management projects implemented MAFBNZ IDC experts will also gain degradation. under the Global Environment Facility. from further enhancement of existing Participants had the GM’s targeted capacity- surveillance skills in different settings, opportunity to share their experiences building initiative: Designing such as those found in the Pacific on the design and implementation of Integrated Financing Strategies for region. their national action plans, and to work Combating Land Degradation in the The activity was funded with GM to improve their strategy Pacific, aims to enhance the capacities by AusAid and NZAID through the for securing sustainable financing. of a group of key national stakeholders Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic There was also a session by SPC and to use the tools and techniques for Preparedness Project (PRIPPP). the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional formulating an integrated financing For more information, please contact Environment Programme (SPREP) on strategy to address issues related to [email protected] their experiences with mainstreaming land degradation. Such a strategy will sustainable land management and focus on: identifying regional programmes and 1. Mobilising domestic financial financing opportunities to combat land resources for combating land degradation. degradation; The initiative draws on GM’s 2. Mobilising international financial experience with resource mobilisation, and technical cooperation for mainstreaming of the national action development; and plans into national planning processes 3. Mobilising foreign direct and and overarching development private investment. frameworks, and development of For more information, please contact Tim comprehensive financing strategies to Martyn, [email protected], or [email protected] volume 5 number 3 - December 2009 23 Land Resources News John Konam – Plant Pathologist, LRD Plant Health Team Diagnosing animal Farewells John Konam left SPC at the end of Sidney Suma – Coordinator, Biosecu- October to work in the Solomon diseases rity and Trade Facilitation Thematic Islands as the Integrated Pest and fforts are continuing to improve Group Disease Management Specialist, Cocoa Eanimal disease diagnostic capacity Livelihoods Improvement Project, in the Pacific region with the success- A farewell was organised by SPC Suva Community Sector Programme. ful completion of laboratory training in staff for Mr Sidney Suma, who left John joined SPC in 2008 to further September 2009 at MAF Biosecurity SPC in October to join UNDP. He will work on SPC’s regional plant health New Zealand Investigation and Disease be based in its Seychelles office. activities, including capacity building Centre (MAFBNC-IDC). The training Sidney first joined SPC in in kava dieback disease technology, was organised by SPC in collaboration 2002 as Biosecurity Officer under the identification of a management with MAFBNZ. Participants included EU-funded Pacific Plant Protection strategy for betel nut disease in Service (PPPS) programme. He later PNG, management of taro nematode became Coordinator for the Biosecurity (mitimiti) disease in Solomon Islands, and Trade Support Thematic Team a quarantine facility for disease-free when LRD was restructured in 2006. cocoa germplasm for PNG, vegetable During this period Sidney, held the biocontrol work in the northern position of Executive Secretary of the Pacific, pest and disease surveys for Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Tuvalu, papaya Phytophthora disease (PPPO), which comprises heads of management in Samoa, and initiation of quarantine from PICTs and New the Pacific cocoa project to rehabilitate Zealand and Australia. PPPO is the cocoa industry using integrated mandated to facilitate PICT adherence disease management technology. to international standards for trade SPC wishes Sidney, John and as outlined by the IPPC (revised text their families all the best for the future. 2007). In responding to Sidney’s IDC Immunology team manager, Dr. Clive Pig- farewell note to the PPPO network, the ott watches over while Dr Sina Moala (Samoa) 2010 LRD Events and Ms. Surila Sharan (Fiji) are shown proper Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture biosafety practices during the laboratory tour. commended him on his remarkable January contribution towards SPC’s services Monitoring, assessment and reporting country representatives for the Pacific to the region. Sidney was instrumental for sustainable forest management Animal Health Laboratory Network in coordinating the implementation of (MAR-SFM), 25-29 January, 2010. (PAHLNet) from Fiji, French Poly- biosecurity programmes and related Collaborating partner, FAO. Contact: nesia, Wallis and Futuna and Samoa. activities in the region as well as the [email protected]. PAHLNet is a communication link harmonisation of biosecurity bills designed to strengthen laboratory net- under the Pacific Regional Economic February working between reference laboratories Integration Programme project, which XLVI Asia-Pacific Coconut Community and the 22 SPC Pacific Island countries has so far resulted in two countries, Fiji Session/Ministerial Meeting, 2 - 5 and territories. and Cook Islands, enacting biosecurity February, 2010, Apia, Samoa. Contact: MAFBNZ provided laboratory bills. Romulo N Arancon, JR, Executive experts for the training, and the SPC Deputy Director, Ms Director, APCC, Email: [email protected] competent four-person team of Pacific Fekita Utoikamanu acknowledged Island representatives went through Sidney’s immense contribution not only March various diagnostic techniques for at regional level but at international Regional workshop on improving detecting infectious animal diseases. forums and standard setting bodies. governance capacities for safe Procedures covered included ELISA Mr ‘Aleki Sisifa, Director of LRD movement of tree germplasm between (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), commended him on the magnitude Pacific island states, Novotel Nadi, Fiji AGID (agar gel immunodiffusion of his contribution to island nations Islands, 15 – 19 March, 2009; Contact: test), HA-HI (hemagglutination/ with regards to capacity building [email protected]. hemagglutination-inhibition test), RTK within biosecurity services and (rapid immunochromatographic test PICT compliance with international April kits), IFA (immunofluorescence assay), standards. Forestry strategic planning workshop, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and 21-23 April, Nadi. Contact: SairusiB@ a demonstration of CFT (complement fixation test). spc.int. (....cont’d on pg 23)
SPC-LRD main donor partners are European Union (EU), AusAID, volumeNZAid, German 5 number Technical 3 Cooperation- December Agency 2009 (GTZ) , and Taiwan/ 24 Land Resources News Republic of China