FIJI INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES SYMPOSIUM 2023
7-9 February 2023
The University of the South Pacific Marine Campus, Laucala Bay, Suva
Building capacities to address Invasive Alien Species to enhance the chances of long-term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island, surrounding islets and throughout Fiji
The 2023 Fiji Invasive Alien Species Symposium (FJIASS) will cover all invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals, insects and pathogens of relevance to Fiji and the region. It will emphasize how invasive species interact with natural and human-made systems in Fiji, including rivers, wetlands, forests, agricultural systems, nature reserves, harbours, reefs and the ocean.
The conference’s purpose is to share information to facilitate improved management of invasive alien species in Fiji and beyond. The conference covers many facets of invasive alien species work, including prevention, control, impact mitigation, and inspiring public awareness and action. The anticipated audience is a broad group of stakeholders and professionals who engage on invasive species issues, including land managers, agriculture and natural resource professionals, researchers, students, landscape and nursery professionals, business leaders, foresters, environmental consultants, provincial professionals, resource owners and users, conservation group leaders and volunteers, and non-governmental organization staff.
Conference Topic Areas
Items listed under each area below are examples and are not comprehensive. Authors are invited to submit presentations on topics not listed here if they are relevant to invasive species concerns in Fiji and the region.
Emerging Issues
- New terrestrial and aquatic species of concern to biodiversity
- Spread of invasive species to new areas / habitats
- Climate change response, adaptations, and range shifts
- Invasive species & human health
- Modeling & economic analyses
- Public perceptions of chemical/biological control methods
New Approaches and Uses of Technology
- Innovations in prevention & management tools
- Advances in genetic biocontrol & eDNA
- New reporting & tracking technology
- Drone, aerial & satellite imagery
- GIS & mapping applications
- Mobile apps
- Social media & digital reach
- Technology for education & outreach
Prevention
- Emerging introduction & spread pathways
- Organisms in trade & cultural release
- Predictive ecology & risk assessment
- Effective communication & best management practices for outreach
- Community-based social marketing & behavior change
- Identification training & new prevention tools
- Novel watercraft inspection
Advances in Control and Management
- New or improved physical, chemical, biological, cultural or combined approaches
- Ballast water policy, management & technology
- Transportation, cargo, & roadside management
- Measuring ecosystem resilience as an aspect of ecological restoration
- Method developments for early detection, monitoring, rapid response containment & eradication
- Developing eradication or management plans
- Developments in integrated pest management
- Engaging private landowners in control efforts
- Eradication of pioneer infestations
Policy, Legislation and Economics
- New/updated regulations & local ordinances
- Decision support tools
- Socio-economic impacts
- Advances in enforcement
- Watercraft inspection & enforcement
- State & by-law regulations; law enforcement issues or strategies that work
- Biosecurity & border protection
Interdisciplinary Topics
- Risks to native biodiversity, ecosystem services, economies & public health
- Collaboratives & cooperatives
- Community engagement, outreach & education
- Human dimensions & invasive species management
- Integrated approaches to manage introductions & pathways
- Community science & community of practice
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge
- Programs that work; success stories
- Engaging business & multiple stakeholders in management solutions