Fiji pushes for stronger regional biosecurity cooperation

Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to regional plant health and biosecurity at the 11th Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Regional Technical Board Meeting in Nadi. Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna opened the three-day event, emphasizing that plant health is critical to Pacific food security, trade, livelihoods, and economic resilience.

Tunabuna warned that Pacific Island nations face escalating threats from invasive pests, plant diseases, climate change, and increased cross-border movement. He stated that biosecurity is no longer just a technical issue but is directly linked to economic growth, environmental sustainability, trade competitiveness, and national security.

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plant health is critical to Pacific food security, trade, livelihoods, and economic resilience.

Highlighting the severe impact of invasive ants, fruit flies, Fall Armyworm, and plant viruses on trade and agriculture, the minister called for stronger national biosecurity systems and closer regional cooperation. Fiji continues to invest in surveillance, emergency preparedness, diagnostics, border management, and market access pathways. Tunabuna also acknowledged the vital support of regional partners and development agencies, including Australia, New Zealand, the FAO, and SPREP.

The meeting will review regional progress in plant protection, address emerging threats, and set priorities for future Pacific biosecurity cooperation.

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biosecurity is no longer just a technical issue but is directly linked to economic growth, environmental sustainability, trade competitiveness, and national security.