Testing and modelling preventative measures to limit the spread and ecological impact of invasive species in Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)

This project aims to have a significant practical impact on conserving Vanuatu’s rich biodiversity by containing the spread of invasive species, particularly those, which are currently affecting the livelihoods of villagers. It will develop and test community organisation, mobilisation and policy partnerships to enhance management of invasive species particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation and food security. The project will be implemented with communities in partnership with Government departments.

An integrated program of activities will be implemented to increase the quality of information in Vanuatu about invasive species and increase awareness and capacity of Government and rural communities to manage the impact and spread of invasive species. Relevant educational & training resources aligned to the specific needs of Government departments, Chiefs Councils and rural communities’ will be developed, and a program of eradication and management in priority areas where communities depend on food resources that are negatively impacted on by invasive species will be undertaken.

Expected Results

Expected results from the project include:

• High priority research needs, especially for species affecting environment and primary production identified;
• Priority areas and species identified;
• Current information base on invasive species strengthened;
• Profile of invasive species increased;
• Access to information about invasive species and links to sustainable development improved;
• Awareness of invasive species and links to sustainable development, social, environmental and economic impact heightened;
• Border control, community identification of invasive species increased;
• On the ground field trials in priority areas;
• Progress, outcomes and lessons learned through the action effectively communicated through a variety of media;
• Model available for replication in other Small island developing states.

Main Activities

The main activities for the project are organized into four Phases:

ACTIVITY PHASE 1: RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Activities in this phase of the project will seek to establish baseline information on knowledge, needed to establish priorities for invasive species management. This will include undertaking a research of aspirations & perceptions to identify the main factors and variables within target communities towards organising and mobilising control of invasive species to better; profiling of key invasive species & identifying important gaps in knowledge.

ACTIVITY PHASE 2: GENERATING SUPPORT FOR MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

Activities in this phase will include the development of a series of effective, community focused education and awareness resources which identify invasive species, their impact on the overall ecosystem and on agriculture and how to limit their spread with a view to restore ecosystems.

Resources will include a community leadership manual outlining the Invasive Species Management Model that includes an integrated, partnerships-based approach to invasive species management from organizing and mobilizing communities to participating in dialogue with government departments;  a community flipchart with visual profiling of invasive species; a community poster with profiling of invasive species;  media guide tailored for journalists to heighten the profile of invasive species in Vanuatu; a DVD documenting how the model could work at community and government levels.

An Invasive Species Management Model will be developed that will provide a practitioner’s guide that documents the processes, resources, methods and tools to establish baseline environmental and social information to empower communities in identifying priorities; develop needs based education resources aligned to stakeholder values and objectives; facilitate collaborative action partnerships between government and community; and implement meaningful and effective on-the-ground actions to achieve outcomes addressing complex environmental issues.

Training will provided to community leaders and government staff in the mobilization and use of the Invasive Species Management Model, education resources and tools. The purpose of the training will be to build local capacity and skills in using and implementing the model and using the learning resources.

ACTIVITY PHASE 3:  LEGISLATION AND POLICIES

In this phase a National Invasive Species Action Plan will be developed based on priorities identified that will outline roles and responsibilities and their contribution to achieving implementation tasks and strategic goals. A National Invasive Species Coordinating Committee will be convened to oversee implementation of the National Invasive Species Action Plan and support implementation of the Invasive Species Management Model at community level.

A National Invasive Species Information Management System and Database will be developed to record and store invasive species profiles and maps from rural areas in Vanuatu.

ACTIVITY PHASE 4:  CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF INVASIVE SPECIES

Three village-based Invasive Species Management Areas  will test the Invasive Species Management Model. This testing will include all aspects of using the model; planning, implementation and evaluating impact. The activity will be community-based with the Government departments acting as a partner to communities and providing technical support and resourcing.  An evaluation of the model will be undertaken and key  learning’s will guide replication and scaling up of implementation across other south pacific countries.