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Invasive species forum bolsters alliance to protect natural resources
The 2023 Indo-Pacific Invasive Species Forum kicked off in Guam with remarks from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman. Joint Region Marianas environmental specialists were in attendance, along with participants who have flown in from around the world. Attendees learned about key topics, including regional biosecurity, invasive species impact on local economies, and emerging programs for improved invasive species research and mitigation. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
ASAN, Guam—The government of Guam and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosted the first annual 2023 Invasive Species Forum in Guam last July 17-19 at the Hyatt in Tumon.
The ISF provided an opportunity for civilian agencies, militaries, and subject matter experts in the Indo-Pacific region to share information on the current state of research and development activities for the detection, surveillance, mitigation, and eradication of invasive species.
“Biosecurity is a multifaceted commitment that we must all uphold,” said Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander of Joint Region Marianas, who delivered opening remarks. “Invasive species pose risks to our military readiness by affecting training areas, material movement, and the health of military personnel. For our local communities they threaten biodiversity, food and water security, and quality of life. As our military continues to expand our posture throughout the region to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, it is vitally important that we also do our best to protect the precious environments and ecosystems where we operate,” he said.
The 2023 ISF has brought together biosecurity stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific region to discuss invasive species management and identify needs to improve biocontrol and mitigation. Additionally, the forum promoted mutual understanding of environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability, and provided an opportunity for participants to share best practices in invasive species mitigation.
The U.S.-sponsored event included representatives from Australia, American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Northern Marianas Islands, the Philippines, Thailand, and Tonga.
The event was designed to enable participating nations to gauge the success of, and identify gaps in current methods, creating opportunities for process improvement and future cooperation. The forum included activities that reinforced ISF goals and objectives, and provided an opportunity for the government of Guam to showcase its ongoing work related to invasive species management. (PR)
