Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa - FISNA

NEWS

24 February 2009 FISNA held its second Executive Committee meeting in Kumasi Ghana. The meeting resolved that the West African Node should be established. [more...]

Creation

The Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA) was created during a Task Force Meeting held in Zomba, Malawi from 13-15 December 2004. Seven African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia) were represented and the 14 members successfully defined objectives and activities of the network.

This meeting was jointly organized by the Forest Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) and FAO as the result of serious concerns by a team of African forest protection scientists to revitalize an existing network the "Tree Pest Management Network for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa" to ensure that it is updated to cater for the current needs of Africa.

In line with current forest health issues and increasing problems with invasive species, including insects, diseases and woody species, the existing network has therefore been renamed the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA) and the mandate and objectives have been updated. Report of the Task Force Meeting - Zomba, Malawi, 13-15 December 2004.

Mandate

The mandate of the network is to coordinate the collation and dissemination of information relating to forest invasive species in sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable forest management and conservation of biodiversity.

Online in Malawi: creation of the first page of the FISNA Web site. Dr. D. Kayambazinthu, Deputy Director of Forestry Research, FRIM & Dr. C. Z. Chilima, Assistant Director of Forestry Research, FRIM

Definition of alien invasive species

Biotic agents, not native to a specific forest ecosystem, whose introduction does, or is likely, to cause harm to the forest ecosystem.

Geographic coverage

All countries in sub-Saharan Africa that wish to participate in the network.
There is no distinction by language or forest type.

Objectives of the network

To facilitate exchange of information and provide a link for communication about forest invasive species

To alert and provide policy advice on transboundary movement, phytosanitary measures and other relevant information

To raise regional awareness on forest invasive species issues

To encourage the publication and sharing of research results, management and monitoring strategies

To facilitate taxonomic support

To act as a link between and among experts, institutions, networks and other stakeholders concerned with forest invasive species

To facilitate the mobilization of resources for critical activities in management of invasive species

To provide technical guides on research and control of invasives for sustainable forest protection and health issues in Africa

For endorsement or participation of the network, please send your request to the Secretariat:

Clement Z. Chilima

cchilima@frim.org.mw