“The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PHAMA Plus.
“The MOU signed between the two parties sets out the rules, responsibilities and contribution of both partners in protecting Solomon Islands food security and unique environments while supporting sustainable economic development.
“A main concern at this point in time is the African Swine Flu (ASF); a highly transmissible viral disease that affects domestic wild pigs. ASF is now present in Papua New Guinea and poses a combined social, cultural and economic threat to the Solomon Islands thus the government believes it is pivotal that concerted efforts are made by all stakeholders involved to ensure that ASF does not reach Solomon Islands.
“The PHAMA Plus Program, supported by Australia and New Zealand, is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through this MoU to strengthen Solomon Islands’ preparedness and response capacity against any possible incursion of ASF into the country.
“The goal of this MOU is also to support staff and MAL to better deliver services in the protection of the Solomon Islands borders from these emerging threats.”
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