National Invasive Species and Biosecurity Strategic Action Plan 2018-2022.

The National Invasive Species and Biosecurity Strategic Action Plan (NISSAP) is a national policy with a timeframe of years covering the period from 2018 to 2022. The goals of the NISSAP are: (I) to increase community awareness and participation and build resilience of communities and ecosystems by increasing capacity and improving the legal and policy frameworks for ongoing management of invasive species at national, state, and community levels; (II) to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species; (III) to reduce negative impacts of existing invasive species; (IV) to strengthen the effective collaboration, coordination and participation for invasive species prevention and management among community, state, national, regional, and international partners; and (V) to sustain a comprehensive and systematic effort to effectively address invasive species in the long term.
Community awareness on the prevention and management of invasive species will be increased. Invasive species information and materials will be integrated into school curricula. Awareness campaigns with a focus on invasive species will be carried out and monitored regularly. The support will be increased for research and training and educational opportunities for local programs related to invasive species, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. To improve the fight against invasive species, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in communities and all sectors will be identified. Community and sectoral participation in the prevention and management of invasive species will be promoted. A functional framework for invasive species management will be developed and implemented by 2022.
Biosecurity measures will be strengthened at all levels in order to prevent the introduction and spread of new species with the potential to become invasive. Early detection and rapid response mechanisms will be developed against new introductions of potentially invasive species. Measures will be taken to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species within Palau, especially from one island to another. Urgent actions will be undertaken to control and/or eradicate invasive species which are known to be causing serious damage to biodiversity and/or society. Existing invasive species will be assessed, inventoried and prioritized for appropriate management action, including control and/or removal. The Palau National Invasive Species Committee will work closely with communities and partners to support the development of economic and ecosystem restoration plans. Biosecurity legislation and regulations will be developed in compliance with national legislation and regulations.
The institutional capacity of the Palau National Invasive Species Committee will be enhanced to ensure its continuity, effectiveness and functionality. A National Invasive Species Office will be established with a mandate and sufficient capacity necessary to lead the implementation of the NISSAP. Adequate and sustainable funding will be allocated for the effective implementation of each of the activities of this plan. Long term efforts to address invasive species will be effectively integrated into existing state and national government procedures, work plans and activities.