Tough biosecurity laws needed

TERRESTRIAL borders in the country, especially in Western and West Sepik, are in need of stringent measures where biosecurity is weak.
This was highlighted during a biosecurity consultation workshop hosted by the National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority (Naqia) yesterday.
East Sepik Deputy governor David Kausik said trading happenned everyday within the border areas, including illegal smugglers, therefore, tough measures should be put in place to curb these.
“There must be tough surveillance and monitoring and everyone must take ownership of and keep an eye out on what is coming and going out of the country through the traditional border systems,” he said.
“To help Naqia provide surveillance and monitoring, we need to use the local level governments and wards.
“We should run awareness and trainings at these border villages so they would take responsibility and report to the relevant authorities when they find anything suspicious.”
The discussions in Lae, headed by Naqia, was aimed at gauging views from stakeholders so a biosecurity policy could be put together.
Biosecurity refers to a system to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, pests and other organisms on PNG’s native biodiversity of animals and plants which is critical for livelihoods of Papua New Guineans who depend on agriculture, cultural events of significance, tourism, public health, trade and national economy.