The Pacific region’s battle against invasive species has received a significant boost thanks to funding from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This support, provided through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, will enhance the ongoing initiatives of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) under the Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) project.
The additional funding from the UK FCDO will foster further collaboration and support for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT)-funded and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) implemented PRISMSS RIR project. This will enable stronger actions against invasive species, thereby improving the climate resilience of Pacific communities.
Invasive species, both animals and non-native plants and weeds, which are expected to become more prevalent due to climate change-related disturbances, rising carbon dioxide levels, and increasing temperatures, pose significant threats to ecosystems and communities. They exacerbate erosion, reduce food and fish production, and threaten ecosystem services and human health.
