Biodiversity in the Pacific islands

Pacific Invasives Learning Network

Turning Words into Action: Capacity Building through the Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN)

PILN was established in 2005 by the Nature Conservancy, SPREP, the Cooperative Island Initiative on Invasive Species, IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group, National Park of American Samoa, Conservation International, the Palau Office of Environmental Response and Coordination, University of the South Pacific, US Forest Service, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. A full time coordinator was appointed and the network formally launched in May 2006 by the Honorable Elias Camsek Chin, Vice President of the Republic of Palau, who gave the network its unofficial motto with his concluding remarks at the opening ceremony: “Failure is not an option”.

PILN is a network of multi-agency multi-sector country teams who agree to share skills and expertise in the management of invasive species, one of the greatest threats to sustainable development and biodiversity in the region. Teams include members with a long-term commitment to conservation, strong cultural understanding, and the potential to act as innovators to increase invasive species management and prevention in their nations. PILN is participant-driven, it's activities and agenda are determined by the individual and shared needs of the participants. From the 6 initial founding teams the network has now grown to include 13 teams: American Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Kosrae State, Marshall islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Pohnpei State, Samoa and Yap State.

PILN focuses on turning words into action - to get out of the meeting room and get on with the job - recognizing that there is not enough implementation of action plans, and that the various national strategic plans tend to lack a “road map” to guide under-resourced and over-tasked agencies towards achieving their goals. Specific needs identified included capacity building in technical and social marketing skills, production of simple and realistic action plans for priority species, and opportunities to share practical skills. PILN was seen as offering a means of meeting these needs. It is also a very successful initiative that is highly replicable.
The 2-year pilot project will finish in 2008.

Further information, contact, Jill Key, Coordinator for Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) or click here to visit the PILN web page.