Launch of posters for the Fiji Invasive Alien Species project

November 3, 2020

Mr Surend Pratap, The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji

Representatives of National Government Ministries

Representatives of Non- Governmental Organisations

Project Implementation Unit of the Fiji Invasive Alien Species

Project Development Partners

Ladies and gentlemen

Bula Vinaka to you all.

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you all to this exciting event - the launch of the awareness raising posters of the Fiji Invasive Alien Species Project.

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the donor agency, the Global Environment Facility, for its commitment towards the protecting Fiji’s biodiversity. Fiji is blessed with so many plants and animals including those found in no other parts of the world.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the Government of Fiji for demonstrating its resounding commitment to dealing with the threats to biological integrity of Fiji’s pristine islands. Our appreciation to the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji for its leading role in implementing the IAS Project.

Globally, the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity has estimated the cost of invasive species to economies at hundreds of billions of dollars each year. In the South Pacific including Fiji, IAS pose serious threats to biodiversity and threaten the stability of ecosystems which have sustained our communities for decades.

Our congratulations to the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji for developing these posters and booklet. They are colourful, have clear messages and they easily capture one’s attention.

In particular, the posters assist one in differentiating between the Native Iguanas and Giant Invasive Alien Species, as well providing contact details for reporting of sightings. This has the potential to strengthen outreach efforts and engagement of all groups including women, youth and children. In other words, maximising the participation of stakeholders and leaving no one behind.

At this juncture, I would like to draw our attention to the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity convened by the President of the General Assembly on 30 September 2020. Amongst the key messages arising from deliberations, there are two which stand out:

The first is that; Addressing the loss of biodiversity is essential for poverty eradication, sustainable jobs, economic development and meeting Sustainable Development Goals.

One can only imagine if these Giant Invasive Iguanas develop an appetite for important crops such dalo, cassava and yaqona.

Already there is anecdotal evidence of these iguanas consuming some vegetables and fruits spread to large islands including Taveuni, Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.  Many of Fiji’s unique plants, animals and ecosystems have not developed mechanisms to outcompete these Giant Invasive Iguanas.

Second is that action is needed across all sectors. I am informed that several Government Ministries/Departments, Non - Governmental Organisations, Tertiary Institutions, Private Sector and Communities are actively participating in this project. This is commendable and appreciated. I humbly request your continued support as our combined efforts is criticial to the success of the IAS project.

Concluding Remarks

Ladies and Gentlemen, UNDP is honoured to participate in the launch of these posters. I am convinced that this will go a long way towards our common goal of influencing people’s interactions with Fiji’s unique biodiversity and strengthening their desire to protecting it from IAS.

Congratulations again to the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. I reassure you of UNDPs commitment and support to the Fiji IAS project.

I look forward to visiting project demonstration sites at Qamea in the near future.

Vinaka vakalevu.