The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the Solomon Islands National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 on 8 September 2026.
The 10-year strategy provides a national framework to protect Solomon Islands’ agriculture, food security, biodiversity, livelihoods and economy from pests, diseases, invasive species and other biosecurity threats.
The launch was officiated by the Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nestor Giro, who emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source of food, income and opportunities for rural communities. He highlighted that strong biosecurity is essential to protect farmers, agricultural production, investments and market opportunities.
The strategy identifies six key priority areas: sustainable financing, an engaged and supportive public, strengthened partnerships, a capable workforce, expanded safeguarding, and stronger risk assessment and risk reduction. Minister Giro called on government agencies, farmers, communities, the private sector and development partners to work together to ensure successful implementation.
Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Ms Jean Eroa Manepora, acknowledged the continued support of development and technical partners, including the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China, as well as UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Their support has contributed to strengthening Solomon Islands’ biosecurity capacity through technical assistance, training, equipment, surveillance and institutional development.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Tuya Altangerel, congratulated MALD and BSI on the launch and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in strengthening its biosecurity system. She emphasized that biosecurity is much broader than border inspection or controlling invasive species it is about protecting people, livelihoods, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, food security, trade, tourism, the economy and the Solomon Islands way of life.
Ms. Altangerel also highlighted that biosecurity threats are becoming increasingly complex due to climate change, expanding trade and travel, changing land-use patterns and biodiversity loss. She stressed that government, communities, farmers, businesses, travellers, development partners and individuals all have a role to play. Under the Strategy’s vision of “Safeguarding, Collective Action and People Centred,” biosecurity is a shared national responsibility, reflected in the message: “Iumi Protektim. Waka Tugeda. Fokus Blong Pipol” Protect together, work together, and keep people at the centre.
The launch also marks the beginning of implementation, not the end of strategy development. The 10-year roadmap will guide efforts to strengthen institutions, improve surveillance and border biosecurity, equip frontline officers, increase community awareness, strengthen coordination and enable earlier detection and faster response to emerging threats.
The National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 therefore marks an important national commitment and the beginning of a decade of collective action to build a stronger and more resilient biosecurity system, helping safeguard Solomon Islands’ agriculture, environment, livelihoods and economic future for present and future generations.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Solomon Islands
