Simulation Exercise-Samoa Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan

Abstract

This report describes the results of the simulation exercise carried out to test the understandability, relevance, practicality and effectiveness of the Samoa Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan (SISERP) to invasive species emergencies. The exercise was conducted on June 26, 2015 at the MAF Crops Research Centre at Nu'u. A hypothetical invasive species outbreak of the Little Fire Ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) was simulated in the exercise. This exercise allowed the members of the Invasive Species Emergency Response Committee (ISERC) to better understand the proposed SISERP by role playing key roles in the SISERP and to then be able to provide constructive feedback so that the plan can be made most effective, appropriate and relevant to Samoa. Details on the exercise are given in the Exercise Manual at Annex 1 and the Powerpoint Presentation at Annex 2.