Founding teams

Representatives from multi-agency teams (including government and non-government representatives) dealing with invasive species issues come together to help create and use the network to share skills and knowledge in invasive species management with their colleagues in the region. The Network provides support for representatives from participating teams to meet together in periodic network meetings, to engage in learning exchanges and to link with experts from around the world.

PILN is serving Pacific island teams representing the array of agencies responsible for Invasive Species management in a country, state, province, territory or island. Typically, established invasive species groups or committees nominate 3 to 5 representatives for PILN membership who then bring back the lessons learned through PILN. Alternatively, a multi-agency group of 3 to 5 members is formed specifically to participate in PILN. The network launch took place at the end of May 2006 in Palau, and the 2007 network meeting was held in September, in French Polynesia.

There are currently 16 invasive teams participating in the network, six at the launch at the first meeting:

• American Samoa
• Commonwealth States of Northern Mariana Islands
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Kiribati
• Kiritimati (Kiribati)
• Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• Niue
• Palau
• Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia
• Samoa
• Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia

Participating teams identify strategic and field level projects which they require network support to advance.

Pouono and Tualagi stripping bark to kill the invasive weed tamaligi, Falcataria moluccana, on Tutuila Island, American Samoa.
© NPS Tavita Togia.

Mark, Natasha, Billy and Joseph of the Samoa team.
(Photo: Tavita Togia)

John, Jackson, Donald and Roseo of the Pohnpei team.
(Photo: Jill Key)