Stakeholders reaffirm commitment to implementing the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan to combat invasive species
Government agencies, provincial authorities, development partners and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Rennell and Bellona Province from invasive species and biosecurity threats during the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan Implementation and Coordination Workshop held on 3rd June 2026.
The one-day workshop brought together key agencies and partners to strengthen coordination and implementation of the provincial biosecurity plan.
The workshop was organised with support from BirdLife International through funding from the Kiwa Initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen invasive species management and biodiversity conservation in Rennell and Bellona Province.
Opening the workshop, Deputy Provincial Secretary Mr Aubrey Saueha highlighted the importance of biosecurity in protecting the province’s unique biodiversity, food security and livelihoods.
He noted that Rennell and Bellona is the first province in Solomon Islands to develop a provincial biosecurity plan and expressed confidence that it would serve as a model for other provinces. Mr Saueha emphasised that protecting the province from invasive species is particularly important due to its remoteness, limited transport links and reliance on local food production.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring that our province remains free from harmful pests, diseases and invasive species that threaten our environment, agriculture and way of life,” he said.
Representing Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), Director Ms Jean Eroa Manepora’a stressed that effective biosecurity is essential for safeguarding agriculture, biodiversity, human health and local economies. She explained that the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan provides a practical framework for managing invasive species threats and aligns with Solomon Islands’ biosecurity legislation and national policy directionMs. Jean Eroa Manepora’a Director Biosecurity Solomon Islands providing an overview of the legislative framework, under which the Biosecurity Plan is implemented
“The law provides the authority; the plan provides the roadmap. Together they enable us to take practical action to protect the province from invasive species and other biosecurity threats,” Ms Manepora’a said.
Ms Manepora’a further encouraged all stakeholders to work collaboratively in implementing the Plan and to remain vigilant in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species within the province.
In his remarks on behalf of BirdLife International, Ms Miliana Ravuso acknowledged the significant effort invested over several years in developing the Biosecurity Plan through extensive consultation and collaboration with government agencies, communities and stakeholders.
She encouraged participating agencies to integrate biosecurity responsibilities into their routine operations and emphasised the importance of shared ownership, commitment and accountability in implementing the Plan.
“The success of this Plan depends on all of us working together. Through strong partnerships and coordinated action, we can better protect the unique biodiversity and natural heritage of Rennell and Bellona Province,” she said.
The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to review the objectives and priorities of the Rennell and Bellona Biosecurity Plan, identify implementation responsibilities, and discuss mechanisms for coordination, monitoring and reporting. Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, provincial authorities, communities and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the Plan.
The workshop concluded with agreement on several key actions.
Participants endorsed Biosecurity Solomon Islands as the lead agency responsible for coordinating implementation of the Biosecurity Plan in partnership with the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government and other stakeholders. Participants also recognized the importance of developing a Provincial Biosecurity Ordinance to strengthen the legal framework for biosecurity management within the province.
The workshop marked an important milestone in strengthening provincial biosecurity governance and demonstrated a shared commitment to protecting Rennell and Bellona’s environment, agriculture and communities from the impacts of invasive species and other biosecurity threats.
PRESS RELEASE
