Australia is lending its biosecurity expertise to support the global and ASEAN Fall Armyworm (FAW) response, as part of a collaborative effort to manage this significant pest.
Head of Biosecurity, Lyn O’Connell, said the department was providing expert technical and operational advice, and contributing to the ASEAN FAW action plan.
“Australia is a leader in biosecurity and our involvement in this response demonstrates that our contributions are highly valued,” Ms O’Connell said.
“The department continues to work with the states and territories to manage FAW detections in Australia, but it is important to support broader efforts internationally and in the ASEAN region.
“We have been providing technical and operational support to Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea to support their FAW response efforts.
“We have also been asked to contribute to the development of the ASEAN FAW action plan, which was recently signed off by the ASEAN ministers.
“The department will be involved in a number of technical expert panels and will also provide direct input to support the development of the plan.
“We are also coordinating the Asia-Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) regional surveillance program, which will support national FAW management programs and the action plan.
“To further support the global FAW response, we will be establishing and chairing a phytosanitary working group of the FAO Global FAW Program Technical Committee.
“The committee will have oversight of a number of global FAW response and management programs. It will also give us an important opportunity to advocate on behalf of the Asia Pacific region.
“FAW is a significant biosecurity pest and we are committed to supporting efforts here and abroad to manage and minimise its impact on the environment and industries.”
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