National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) 2019-2024.

The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) lays down priority actions to improve management actions to minimize the impacts of invasive species on Samoa’s economy, socio-cultural welfare and natural environment. The NISSAP 2019-2024 is an updated version of the first National Invasive Species Action Plan (NISAP 2008-2011), developed in alignment with the key actions identified in the Samoa National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020. The timeframe of the policy is 5 years covering the period from 2019 to 2024. The NISSAP aims to: (i) prevent the introduction and establishment of potential invasive species; (ii) eradicate and control the spread of invasive species already present in Samoa; (iii) strengthen the legislative framework to support invasive species work; (iv) improve coordination and cooperation; (v) support regional and international engagement including donors; (vi) improve the knowledge and understanding of key stakeholders and the wider public of invasive species and their impacts.
To safeguard its natural resources and economic development from the overwhelming threats and devastating impacts of invasive species, the NISSAP focuses on strengthening the infrastructure and legal frameworks, up-scaling local knowledge on invasive species management, strengthening the coordination and collaboration with relevant agencies and institutions working on invasive species, building human and resource capacity of the institutions implementing invasive species-related programs, and improving access to financial resources.
All the national invasive species and pest management strategies will be compiled into one document/poster for production and distribution to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive species to generate support for action to manage and reduce them. The NISSAP sets out actions for strengthening the institutions capacity and necessary skills for the technical support required to manage invasive species effectively. Necessary training and qualifications will be provided to Invasive Species Unit staff. The legal and policy frameworks will be developed to underpin the effective management of invasive species. Funding will be allocated for equipping the Invasive Species Unit, including the development of an invasive species database, annual monitoring assessments, and compilation of information from various stakeholders regarding invasive species.
Effective systems will be established for assessing risk and prioritizing invasive species for management. Research will be conducted for understanding priority invasive, including species biology and impacts, and developing effective management techniques. Biosecurity will be ensured by strengthening the risk assessment systems for assessing risk and prioritizing invasive species for management. The risk assessment procedures will be expanded by including environmental, social and economic impacts for new species and genomes introduction. The impacts of established invasive species will be reduced or eliminated by eradication, containment, exclusion, or population reduction through physical, chemical or biological control. Invasive species management components will be integrated in other relevant environment and climate change projects. Invasive species management programs will be developed and implemented for restoring native biodiversity and ensuring recovery of other values. Replanting programs will be carried out in forests and watershed areas affected by invasive species.