Development of the Caribbean Invasive Species Surveillance and Information Program (CISSIP)

• Published in: Phytopathology Vol. 96; no. 6; p. S61
• Main Authors: Klassen, W, Davis, C G, Brown, W F, Roberts, M R, Lauckner, B, Momol, T M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2006
• Subjects: FAO; ASW, Caribbean Sea, West Indies; USA, Florida; CARICOM
• ISSN: 0031-949X

Over the past two decades the mounting movement of people and trade has resulted in a surge in worldwide movement and establishment of exotic plant pests and pathogens in the Greater Caribbean (GC) Region. Hurricanes in the region also contributed to the long range dispersal of emerging pathogens and pests. New and emerging pest issues are on the rise and the expected gains from increased product trade and tourism will continue to be offset and undermined by damage caused by introduced pests. The GC does not have in place a regional mechanism to protect against introduced plant pests. The Caribbean Invasive Species Working Group (CISWG) was formed in 2003 and it developed a "Caribbean Regional Invasive Species Intervention Strategy" (CRISIS), as a collective security approach to safeguarding the GC Region. CISWG submitted the CRISIS document to the various governments in the Region and to CARICOM's Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED). COTED requested the development of two region-wide projects. The CISWG combined these two projects into the Caribbean Invasive Species Surveillance and Information Program (CISSIP). This is a multi institutional development project and CISWG consists of representatives of CABI, CARDI (Chair), CARICOM Secretariat, CIRAD, FAO, IICA, PAHO, USDA-APHIS, University of Florida, and the University of the West Indies together with contact persons in regional Ministries of Agriculture.