1. The Pacific Invasives Learning Network - PILN
©Joel Miles
©Jill Key
©Henri Blaffart
©Stuart Chape

2. Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
IAS are new species which have arrived due to human activities, and are causing damage of some sort.
The biodiversity and production based economies of tropical islands makes island nations very vulnerable to IAS.
IAS are an urgent threat in the Pacific, with major environmental, economic and social impacts.
©Jill Key

3. Background to PILN
©NPS Tavita Togia
In most Pacific countries there is a lack of awareness about the issue and an almost complete absence of capacity to deal with IAS. (GISP)
Those working to address the threat of IAS are often professionally isolated and would benefit by contact with colleagues in other countries and outside experts through a network.

4. Learning networks
©NPS Tavita Togia
Learning networks are a proven approach to improving skills and building cooperation between people.
They are about people sharing what they know and can do, helping each other and keeping in touch.

5. PILN History The PILN design team was formed in 2003
©Jill Key
The PILN design team was formed in 2003
A start-up consultant, Dave Butler, carried out national consultations in
Partners signed an MOU in 2005
Funding to launch the network was found - NFWF, TNC, US DOS, CEPF
The PILN secretariat was established at SPREP and a coordinator, Jill Key, hired in 2005

6. PILN Mission
©Joel Miles
To empower effective invasive species management through a participant-driven network that meets priority needs, rapidly shares skills and resources, provides links to technical expertise, increases information exchange, and accelerates on-the-ground action.

7. The 8 PILN Partners The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
Conservation International
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Invasive Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
University of the South Pacific
USDA Forest Service
Palau Office of Environmental Response and Coordination
The National Park of American Samoa was an important member of the design team and now a close collaborator
The Pacific Invasives Initiative (PII) is a close collaborator

8. The Founding teams There are 6 founding teams for the initial phase:
©NPS Tavita Togia
There are 6 founding teams for the initial phase:
American Samoa, Guam, Niue, Palau, Pohnpei, Samoa
A further 6 teams have been identified for the second phase:
Fiji, Hawaii, Kiribati, Kosrae, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia

9. How PILN works
©Jill Key
Teams meet to share experiences, identify their priorities and draft action plans
Annual meetings
Expert exchanges
Thematic workshops
Information sharing mechanism
Communication system

10. 2006 PILN activities
©Joel Miles
Start of the 2-year pilot programme. Funding is not yet confirmed, but we are positive.
Founder teams recruited in March 2006
First meeting held in May 2006
Priorities, baseline and indicators identified
At least 2 expert exchanges held

11. The future
All Pacific nations, states and territories will become involved in PILN, either directly or indirectly.
Invasive species will have a lower impact on biodiversity, agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
The threat of invasive species in the Pacific Region will be reduced.
©James Atherton
©Henri Blaffart
©Henri Blaffart