BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Coconut Pest conference underway this week is not only timely, but is essential said Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau.

Mr Aqorau said this when he formally opened the four-day Conference on July 2 at the Fisheries Lecture Theatre, SINU Ranadi Campus.

The conference which will run from July 2-5 focuses on the theme ‘minimising the economic impact of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and other major insect pests of coconut through innovative and participatory research outreach actions’.

The conference is made possible by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Funding with Intent Programme, the Crawford Fund, the ASEAN Fall Army Worm Action Network, and the international coconut community through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the Solomon Islands, and hosts, the Solomon Islands National University.

Delivering his keynote Aqorau said that it is a beacon of sustenance for many rural communities, a pillar in trade and industry, and a vital contributor to the gross domestic product of nations.

“As we gather here, we are called upon to protect the nurture of this invaluable resource, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come. It is a life line for thousands of families, provides employment opportunities, and serves as a crucial export commodity and yet the economic stability of our communities is imperilled by the relentless impact of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and other major insect pests,” said Aqorau.

“The forecast of our conference here this week of innovative and participatory research actions is not only timely, but is essential, because it underscores the need for collaborative efforts and the exchange of knowledge to develop sustainable solutions.

“The future of our coconut industry, the economic stability of our communities, and the preservation of our cultural heritage depends on the outcomes of our discussions and the actions that we take. This conference, therefore, is a testament to our shared commitment to addressing these challenges head-on,” he said.

According to Aqorau the objectives of this week’s conference are clear and ambitious which aim to review the current information on the biology and control of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and other major insect pests of coconut within a global context.

He said that the conference will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of existing knowledge base and advancements made in pest control and seek to gain a better understanding of the successes and limitations of current research and methods of control.

“By critically evaluating what has worked and what has not, we can guide new research interventions that are more targeted and effective,” said Aqorau.

“It also aims to devise improved research and biosecurity strategies for better management and prevention of economic outbreaks and new incursions of coconut pests.

“This involves developing robust plans that can mitigate the impact of these pests on our coconut industry; finally, I understand that our goal is to develop a regional action plan or agenda for the improved management of major coconut pests in the Pacific Islands.”

The said that this action plan will serve as a roadmap for coordinated efforts across the region, ensuring that pacific Islands adopt a unified strategic approach to pest management.

“Additionally, integrating innovative technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems and biotechnological advancements can effectively monitor and manage pest populations.

“Finally, public-private partnerships should be encouraged, pooling resources and expertise from public institutions, private sector stakeholders and international organisations to create comprehensive pest management programs.

“Through all of these concerted efforts, we can make significant strides in protecting and enhancing our coconut industry.

“Our beloved coconut trees, often referred to as the tree of life, are more than just plants. They are integral to the economic and cultural fabric of the Pacific Islands.

“They provide food, shelter and income for countless families and they hold a revered place in our traditions and our way of life,” said Aqorau.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Director of Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community Karen Mapusua has called for a review of invasive pest strategy management in the Pacific.

She made the statement during her prerecorded opening remarks at the official opening of the 2024 Coconut Pest Conference currently underway in Honiara this week at the Fisheries Lecture Theatre, Ranadi Campus, Solomon Islands National University.

The conference is made possible by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Funding with Intent Programme, the Crawford Fund, the ASEAN Fall Army Worm Action Network, and the international coconut community through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the Solomon Islands, and hosts, the Solomon Islands National University.

Ms Mapusua said that coconut is culturally and economically important and currently, Pacific countries and territories supply over 50 percent of the world’s coconut trade, with Papua New Guinea being the biggest copra exporter in the world.

She said that the coconut industry in the Pacific Island countries and territories is threatened by many challenges such as senile coconuts, the high cost of transportation and a limited breeding programme.

“More importantly, though, the region is threatened by endemic and introduced pests of the coconut, these pests continue to present challenges and barriers to coconut production and to tree planting. The infamous coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the main pests of importance in our region,” she said.

She said that the region is estimated to lose more than 300 million Fiji dollars per year by 2040 if the pest is not controlled.

“Coconut rhinoceros beetle is now present in most of our countries and territories. We have invested in research through dedicated projects, but challenges continue in the management of this invasive pest. It is time to review our strategy, moving forward to find solutions that make an impact.”

She said while efforts have been focused on the Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), there are other coconut pests of quarantine importance, and pests that are prevalent in our countries.

“Yet we’ve not focused any attention on them. It’s also time to re-look at our current strategies, so that we can tackle these pests which continue to threaten our coconut sector also. This conference provides an avenue for us to collaborate on a regional and international level, so we can learn from each other about the successes and failures of coconut pest management, which is seen as important,” she said.

She further said that the objectives of the conference are to review the available information on the biology and control of CRB, and other major insect pests of coconut in the global context to better understand the successes and limitations of the current research and methods of control, and to guide new research interventions.

“Also to devise improved research and biosecurity strategies for better management and prevention of economic outbreaks and of new incursions of coconut pests. And finally, to use the learnings of this conference to develop a regional action plan or agenda for improved management of the major coconut pests in the Pacific Islands region,” she said.

Mapusua said the conference is an opportunity to work with farmers, the private sector, and scientists and social scientists, to share ideas, develop an action plan, and identify the resources needed to minimise the threat of the region’s most important coconut pests together.

“It’s an opportunity for us to work together on priorities for the region, and to provide direction and guidance to our young researchers on the problems that we are facing. Their collective research can be tailored towards these challenges to find solutions for our coconut farming communities,” she said.