Launch of an on-line information system to facilitate trade

 Agricultural trade in the Pacific takes a step forward with the launch on 24 May 2005 of an on-line information system that will facilitate trade amongst Pacific Island countries and between Pacific Islands and overseas markets. The system allows an importing country instant access to Pacific Islands pest lists – a necessary first step to begin trade in a specific commodity. So if France wants to import noni from Samoa they can go on-line and look at Samoa’s pest list to start trade negotiations. Previously, each Pacific Island country and territory (PICT) kept its own pest list, but with the launch of the system this information is now shared on-line.
     The launching of the information system – called the Pacific Islands Pest List Database (PIPLD) – marks its successful development and testing by the Plant Protection Service of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)     It is a landmark development for the Suva-based Land Resources Division (LRD), a revamped technical arm of SPC combining previously independent agriculture and forestry programmes.
     The development of country pest lists started under the able leadership of information systems specialist Mr Richard Vernon, who has since left SPC. He was also instrumental in the initial planning of the Pacific Islands Pest List Database (PIPLD) which was further developed and tested by LRD information assistants Ms Makelesi Kora-Gonelevu and Ms Sarah Pene.
     The on-line information database is open access and read-only. Updating of pest records is restricted to country administrators of the database and the LRD information team. Records on the system will be constantly updated from pest and disease surveys conducted by SPC and from other authenticated sources.
     Ms Kora-Gonelevu said the PIPLD would have greatly benefited Fiji in 2003 when Fiji Quarantine wanted to import coconuts from Tonga after Cyclone Ami.
     “With the Pacific Islands Pest List Database, Fiji Quarantine would be able to go online and obtain the necessary information on pests in Tonga in a matter of minutes,” said Ms Kora-Gonelevu.
     “Fiji would be able to obtain a report showing a pest list for a selected host, such as coconut, or even compare the Fiji and Tonga pest lists. They can download the information and print for their records,” said Ms Kora-Gonelevu.
     The PIPLD has many more useful functions besides facilitating trade by comparing pest lists. It can also provide a list of host plants for a given pest, which is a requirement necessary to carry out the Import Risk Analysis, another trade facilitation procedure.
     The system has a mapping feature, which can show the regional and national distribution of a pest. It also contains taxonomic data and photographs of each pest.
    SPC Plant Protection Service helped Samoa, Tonga, Niue, French Polynesia, Fiji Islands, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau and Marshall Islands develop their country pest lists, which are now part of the PIPLD. The LRD information team have carried out extensive training on country pest list operations and national staff have acquired the necessary skills to maintain their own Country Pest Lists.

     The PIPLD fulfils the requirement under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) agreement and the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (or SPS Agreement).
     EU, AusAID and NZAID are acknowledged for their continuing support of SPC plant protection services to Pacific island countries and territories.
 Further information: Emil Adams, PPS Information Officer
Tel: +679 3387996 

Natural weapons to fight taro beetle