Solomon Islands prepares to launch its National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 to protect agriculture, food security and livelihoods.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), is preparing to launch the Solomon Islands National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 next week, following a national validation workshop held in Honiara.
The workshop, held on 31 August at Heritage Park Hotel, brought together representatives from government agencies, provincial governments, the private sector, industry, academia, civil society, development partners and technical organizations.
The gathering provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposed strategy, contribute feedback and confirm its key priorities and strategic directions for the next decade.
MALD Acting Permanent Secretary Mrs Elda Wate said biosecurity should be treated as a national investment essential to protecting the country’s agriculture, environment, food security and livelihoods.
“Biosecurity is not simply a cost or another regulatory requirement. It is a necessary investment in protecting what we value,” Mrs Wate said.
She highlighted the growing threat posed by invasive pests and diseases, including the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Giant African Snail, which could have serious consequences for agriculture, forests, biodiversity, food security and the national economy.
Mrs Wate stressed that protecting Solomon Islands from such threats requires cooperation beyond government institutions, involving businesses, importers, exporters, provinces, communities and farmers.
The strategy also recognizes that biosecurity protection does not stop at international borders. As an island nation, Solomon Islands must manage risks associated with the movement of plants, agricultural products, pests and diseases between islands and provinces.
Meanwhile, Muhamed Sohail, Technical Advisor for the UNDP SAFE Project, said the validation process demonstrated strong national ownership of the strategy.
“The next important milestone would be how we should see these priorities and how we should implement this strategy at the national scale,” Mr Sohail said.
The strategy is expected to provide a common framework for strengthening BSI’s role and coordinating national action on biosecurity over the next decade.
MALD acknowledged the support of the UNDP SAFE Project, the Australian Government through DFAT and DAFF, and other development and technical partners involved in updating and validating the strategy.
The upcoming launch will mark another important step towards strengthening Solomon Islands’ biosecurity system and protecting its agriculture, natural resources, food security, livelihoods, economy and communities.
SOURCE// MALD PRESS RELEASE
