Biosecurity Surveillance & Control

The coconut industry is a vital part of Vanuatu’s economy and culture, contributing 45% to the country’s GDP and supporting the livelihoods of many Ni-Vanuatu. However, the industry is under threat from the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), which was introduced in Vanuatu in 2019 and has since caused severe damage to coconut trees. The CRB feeds on the crown of trees, killing them within months and leaving behind a trail of destruction.

To respond to this threat, the Department of Biosecurity launched an early surveillance response to detect, contain, and eliminate any CRB presence on the outer islands.

Respond Global HELPR-1 supports the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to combat invasive pests and plants including CRB that pose a serious risk to flora, fauna and the people of Vanuatu. Throught this support the Department has guaranteed positions onboard on all missions to all provinces allowing them to complete the following activities;

• Installment of new and maintenance of existing early warning traps, and educating the community on its surveillance, reporting, and immediate management measures.
• Investigation and verification of potential reported CRB sites as well as other invasive flora/fauna.
• Implementing other biosecurity activities including releasing biological agents to manage invasive plants and insects, GPS mapping of sites with new invasive flora/fauna, and collection of specimens for research.
• Community engagement and biosecurity awareness.