17 March 2025, Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) - RMI has been actively working on managing invasive species, including birds, through various initiatives. One significant effort is the endorsement of the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), which aims to enhance the effective management of invasive species and outlines priority actions to mitigate their impacts on RMI's biodiversity.
As part of efforts, of a broader strategy to protect the natural resources and environment of RMI from the threats posed by invasive species, the RMI Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (MoNRC), in collaboration with Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) partner Island Conservation, held a training on Invasive Birds Management in Majuro. The training included a detailed focus on the management of the invasive Eurasian sparrow.
SPREP Project Manager for the GEF 6 Regional Invasive Species Project, Ms Isabell Rasch-Mulitalo shared that, “invasive birds are becoming a growing problem, however MoNRC is increasing its capacity to better manage invasive birds such as the Eurasian sparrow”.
“The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is known for competing for nesting sites with native cavity-nesters Its rapid population growth makes it a troublesome invasive species as it disrupts local biodiversity, competes for resources.”
“It has adapted quickly in Majuro where it’s been reported as a nuisance, this is because they nest in cavities and will find these in crevices of buildings for example”.
The training, facilitated by representatives from Island Conservation and SPREP, enabled participants gain a deeper understanding of the identification, monitoring, and ecological impacts of invasive birds and effective control methods, including habitat modification and humane trapping techniques.
Managing the impact of the Eurasian Tree Sparrows involves monitoring their populations, implementing control measures, and restoring habitats to support native species.
Participants learnt that conservation efforts must be holistic, integrating habitat preservation and other control measures, to mitigate these threats effectively.
Sessions of the interactive training emphasised the importance of community engagement, leading to increased public awareness and community participation in invasive species management efforts.
Participants of the training expressed that it was both valuable and insightful and they appreciated the comprehensive coverage of effective management strategies and the hands-on sessions that enhanced their practical skills.
Many attendees highlighted the importance of community involvement, and the innovative approaches discussed, which they felt would significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts in RMI.
A participant at the training, Mr. Kiaben Hampton Jr., a Quarantine Inspector with the Division of Quarantine, MoNR & Commerce shared, “I've learned from this valuable training which invasive birds to target first and that eradication is possible and knowing that rats can swim long distances raises concerns about their impact on our outer islands' biodiversity”.
“I'll share this knowledge with our communities to ensure they're fully aware of these invasive species and how to prevent and control their spread as its crucial for protecting our health, food security, and the environment”.
Ms. Daffodil Silver Wase, Chief of Quarantine, MoNRC, said, “collaborating with the community is crucial for managing invasive birds as the more people who are aware of the issue, the better the outcomes we can achieve”.
“It truly takes a village to address these challenges effectively. I believe PRISMSS can play a significant role in bird management and biosecurity efforts in the region by providing more training we can involve more people in tasks that require coordination across multiple agencies and help them understand their roles and responsibilities better".
Mr. Juda Langrine, Assistant Chief of Quarantine, MoNRC, commented, "I will actively share knowledge gained from this training with family and friends, stressing the urgent need to manage invasive birds due to our limited natural resources”.
“It's important to engage with communities in the Marshall Islands to tackle this issue. Majority of Ri Majol are unaware of the threat posed by invasive species, so we must consistently educate the public”.
SPREP, through PRISMSS, and partners Island Conservation with MoNRC, will collaboratively continue to enhance the capacity of local agencies to further strengthen invasive bird management in RMI and across the region.
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The GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project (RIP) is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. The Project works primarily in the Marshall Islands, Niue, Tonga, and Tuvalu and has a regional component. Implementation of the GEF 6 RIP is supported by the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Services (PRISMSS).
For more information on the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Species Project (GEF 6 RIP), please contact the Project Manager Ms Isabell Rasch-Mulitalo, at isabellr@sprep.org
About PRISMSS: The Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) is a coordinating mechanism designed to facilitate the scaling up of operational management of invasive species in the Pacific. PRISMSS brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region with a focus on protection of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem function. As a service provider, PRISMSS provides a comprehensive suite of support services in a cohesive, effective, efficient, and accessible manner to Pacific Island countries and territories.
Restoring Island Resilience (RIR): The PRISMSS - Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) is a New Zealand-PRISMSS collaboration project that aims to improve Pacific Island Countries and territories livelihoods and resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of invasive species on natural and agricultural ecosystems through the five PRISMSS programmes.
For additional information please contact Mr Domnic Sadler, PRISMSS Manager on dominics@sprep.org or Mr Nitish Narayan, PRISMSS Communications & Liaison Officer on nitishn@sprep.org