FABI hosted a meeting of the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA) aimed at revitalising the network’s activities and stimulate communication and networking between all persons and official bodies engaged in forest pest and invasive species research in sub-Saharan Africa.

The meeting was headed by Dr. Clement Chilima the current Chairperson of FISNA and attended by representatives from South Africa (FABI), Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe who had also attended FABI’s workshop on the Biological Control of Eucalyptus Insect Pests.

FISNA was established in 2004 by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) 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. The Network is open to all countries in sub-Saharan Africa that wish to participate.

FISNA’s objectives are to:

- Facilitate exchange of information and provide a link for communication about forest invasive species

- Alert and provide policy advice on trans-boundary movement, phytosanitary measures and other relevant information.

- Raise regional awareness on forest invasive species issues.

- Encourage the publication and sharing of research results, management and monitoring strategies.

- Facilitate taxonomic support.

- Act as a link between and among experts, institutions, networks and other stakeholders concerned with forest invasive species.

- Facilitate the mobilisation of resources for critical activities in management of invasive species.

- Provide technical guides on research and control of invasive species for sustainable forest protection and health issues in Africa.