During the 33^rd session of the Latin American and Caribbean Forestry Commission (LACFC) in 2023, countries recognized the need to address these challenges. They requested FAO to establish a regional network to combat invasive species and pest outbreaks, using the One Health approach, to promote regional investment in capacity building efforts, as well as coordinated regional information mechanisms.

In response to this request FAO launched the "Forest Health and Invasive Species Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (FHISLAC)" on December 14, 2023. The network aims to empower regional experts, decision makers, and stakeholders by providing access to information, sharing experiences, and coordinating efforts to protect the health of forests and manage invasive species effectively.

More specifically, FHISLAC aims to:

• Facilitate the exchange of information and experiences, as well as coordinating activities related to forest health and forest invasive species; 
• Identify and strengthen opportunities for more effective collaborations between member countries and their institutions, at different levels; 
• Promote collaboration and cooperation among existing international and regional organizations and networks working on forests’ health and forest invasive species; 
• Promote compliance with international phytosanitary regulations and disseminate other relevant information on forest pests among member countries;

Member countries are: Argentina, Brasil , Colombia , Costa Rica , Honduras , México , Panamá , Paraguay , Uruguay , Venezuela , Grenada , Jamaica , Saint Lucia , Trinidad and Tobag.

Currently, FHISLAC has an interim coordination led by the focal points from Uruguay in collaboration with focal points from Costa Rica and Saint Lucia.