The aim of the project is to increase capacity in Forest Health Surveillance in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa and establish a support network of relevant experts. The five major objectives are to:

1. Develop forest health surveillance in Pacific countries and consider regional management options. 

• Develop a simple and operationally easy recording form and associated field methodology for forest health surveys in the Pacific, refining these in collaboration with country partners through workshops and field visits.

• Implement systematic surveys in plantations and vegetation around ports of entry in each country. 

• Explore options for a regional management framework that can receive advice from surveys, at the two training workshops.

Output: 

• Documented standardised field methodology including field recording sheets;

• Detailed list of insects and fungi;

• Suggestions for advancing regional management of forest pest and disease issues.

2. Refine forest health surveillance techniques in Australia. 

• Review and adapt present practices for small woodlot assessment.

Output:

• Efficient design of rapid assessment methods for small woodlots.

3. Develop capacity in taxonomic expertise, and specimen handling, curating and housing in Pacific countries. 

• Assess existing capacity and needs (human and equipment) and develop a prioritised work plan to build capacity to address needs. 

• Conduct training sessions in basic methods of specimen handling, curating, shipping and housing.

 Output:

• Enhanced taxonomic capacity and curatorial skills;

• Collection development.

4. Establish a web-based mechanism for data sharing and access to other information resources. 

• Build a website to be integrated with the SPC website to enable interrogation of shared data and for distribution of information on forest pests and diseases. 

• The system will integrate with PACINET when this is established.

 Output: 

• Website with information about the project, outcomes and access to data relating to forest pests and diseases in the Pacific region.

5. Compile a priority list of damaging pests and diseases in the region. 

• Develop web-based and hardcopy documentation of a priority list with recommendations, for future research on priority pests and diseases. 

• For significant forest pests and diseases, pest leaflets and Pest Alerts may be produced in co-operation with SPC.

 Output:

• Priority forest pest and disease lists and supporting information.