Impact of climate change on food security and biosecurity in small Pacific nations

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1 Impact of climate change on food security and biosecurity in small Pacific nations Angela Freeman (Vic DPI) Plant virology, Plant biosecurity, safe international movement of plant germplasm, Sweet Potato germplasm South Pacific, 1980 s Pita Taufatofua (Tonga) -Agricultural Policy Scientist, 40 years experience in agricultural training, research and extension services in the Pacific Brendan Rodoni (Vic DPI) - Plant Microbiologist (Virology/bacteriology), 25 years 1

2 Proposed Asia Pacific Network for Global Change (APN) Project: Impact of climate change on food security and biosecurity of crop production systems in small Pacific nations This project will: Identify the key impacts of climate change on the unique cropping systems in four small Pacific nations: Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu Collate data to inform development of strategies/policies to minimise plant biosecurity risks Identify training and research opportunities in Plant Biosecurity for scientists from collaborating countries Strengthen regional biosecurity networks 2

3 DEPARTMENT OF The Pacific Island Countries 22 countries and territories occupying a land area of only 94,200 sq km in the world s largest ocean (not including PNG) 3 main groups: Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia Countries range in size and population from Fiji (828,000 people) to Niue (1,500 people) Consist of volcanic islands (elevated) and coral atolls (low lying) Approximately 84 % of the population live in rural areas and the predominant activity is subsistence rain-fed agriculture 3

4 Food production in the Pacific Subsistence production Low input Livestock, mainly pigs and chicken Cropping are mostly root crops, bananas, fruits and nuts Unique atolls and small islands crops (eg. pandanas, certosperma) Collection of forest and wild foods, fresh water and marine foods Seasonal processing and conservation during periods of abundance Increasing crop intensity is increasing pest and disease problems 4

5 Impact of climate change on Pacific countries Natural disasters are already a feature of the Pacific and are predicted to increase with climate change Sea level rise Salinity Loss of arable land Increased temperatures Drought Extreme weather events Increased frequency and intensity of cyclones Storm surges and violent winds Extreme high tides and flooding Tsunamis 5

6 DEPARTMENT OF The cost of natural disasters in the Pacific In the 1990s, the cost of extreme weather events in the Pacific Island region has been estimated to exceed US$1 billion Extreme rainfall caused flooding of east Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 2009 resulting in the loss of 14 lives and displaced 3000 people Flooding of western Viti Levu in Fiji in 2009 caused extensive damage to agriculture Coastal inundation of the Temmotu atolls of the Solomon Islands in 2009 occurred due to storm surge Tsunami in Samoa and Tonga in 2009 resulted in the loss of almost 200 lives and estimated cost in Samoa of US$90 million Cyclones Ofa and Val, which hit Samoa in 1990/91, causing losses of US$440 million (greater than the annual GDP). turned Niue from a net exporter of food to a net importer for 2 years 6

7 Climate change, food crop security and biosecurity Climate change will impact on crop production in the Pacific region Degradation of food production areas (sea level rise, salinity, drought) Devastation caused by extreme weather events (cyclones, flooding) Increased temperature and drought Influence recovery time such as replacement of lost crop germplasm and the need to import food substitutes Changes in the relationship/synchronicity between host plants, pests/pathogens and their vectors. 7

8 Climate change, food crop security and biosecurity. Climate-related disasters are predicted to increase causing: Increased pressure on Pacific countries to maintain adequate agricultural systems for food production Changes in the movement of food products within the region which will expose Pacific countries to new biosecurity threats Increased biosecurity risks due to movement of pests and pathogens during extreme weather events such as cyclones 8

9 Alomae virus Leaf blight Biosecurity threats Within the region: E.g. Pests and diseases of taro of limited distribution in the Pacific Taro beetle 9

10 Biosecurity Threats From other regions: 1. Glassy winged sharpshooter (GWS)/Xyella fastidiosa GWS associated with the spread of Pierce s disease in the USA in the 1990 s GWS detected in French Polynesia in 1999 GWS detected in the Cook Islands in Aphid Migration Approximately 90% of aphid species in Australia and New Zealand have been introduced (approximately 8.5 introductions/decade) Are economically significant pests/ vectors of disease 2 key Pathways As passengers on plant material By wind Are we seeing similar trends with thrips and Whiteflies? 10

11 APN Project Summary A desktop study will be conducted to determine increased regional biosecurity risks due to climate change A questionnaire and survey aimed at identifying the key impacts of climate change on food crop security and biosecurity will be completed with stakeholders in participating countries (May July 2011) The data will be used to plan a regional workshop (Fiji, Sept 2011) The workshop will involve a range of relevant experts who will assist in prioritizing country risks and developing action plans 11

12 The Questionaire (3 parts): Part A: Country statistics, capability, Agricultural systems, main food crops, impacts of CC Part B: Procedures undertaken during recovery of food crops and agricultural systems following a climatic event Quarantine measures, contingency plans, preferred suppliers Country pest and disease lists, priority EPPs, quarantine capability Part C: Experiences of the agricultural staff members in their local areas Changes in Ag systems, arrival of new pests Experiences with crop production and climatic events Capacity/ capability to respond to climate change events 12

13 APN Project outcomes Data on impacts of climate change on food security and biosecurity will be used to inform: Policy and regulation Strategies to prepare for or mitigate impacts Biosecurity policy aimed at protecting agriculture in these countries Practice change Preparation/protocols to reduce impacts Strengthen regional networks and plant biosecurity Research and development Collaborative research projects Training opportunities 13

14 Thank you! 14