Pacific Island tropical forests occupy a relatively small area, and yet every year, new invasive pests are killing native and agroforest trees that provide food, water collection, wildlife habitat, and building and cultural materials. Research suggests that invasive pests and pathogens cost United States agriculture and forests more than $40 billion every year. These impacts are disproportionately high for the Pacific Islands where individual pests such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle and root rot can impact food and economic security of families, communities and businesses. This forum offers an opportunity to exchange ideas about 1) what's working to prevent pest spread in the Pacific Basin; 2) what more we could do by working collectively to prevent, suppress, control and eradicate the pests; and 3) how to inspire and engage the next generation to research and incorporate biosecurity best practices as mainstream conservation actions to sustain healthy Pacific Islands forests.
