Introduction
The Enhanced Pacific Biosecurity Partnership (EPBP) Programme is a New Zealand-led initiative aimed at strengthening biosecurity systems across six Pacific nations (Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu) from 2021 to 2025. Delivered in partnership between New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), this programme addresses the region's ecological vulnerabilities and the critical need for robust biosecurity. By empowering these nations with the capacity to manage plant and animal biosecurity threats, the programme safeguards livelihoods, trade, and food security while fostering sustainable development.
What We Did
The EPBP Programme brought about measurable improvement in biosecurity systems across the Pacific by delivering impact-driven activities. Capacity-building efforts included tailored training in pest and disease identification, diagnostics, and border security. Region-specific technology, such as advanced Remote Microscopy Systems, was introduced to provide real-time expert support for pest identification while bridging local expertise gaps. Biosecurity border staff attended international and in-country training programmes that enhanced their operational capacity, ensuring greater preparedness to tackle threats.
Collaboration with key partners, such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), set the foundation for a harmonised regional biosecurity response. By enhancing surveillance mechanisms and pest management capabilities, the programme equipped participating countries with the skills and tools necessary to address biosecurity challenges effectively.
The Team also reviewed the Enhanced Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Programme at the same time.
How We Did It
We designed and implemented a fit-for-purpose methodology to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the EPBP Programme. The team visited the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu to meet in-person with key stakeholders. Key officials in Niue and Samoa were interviewed by tele video conference.
Findings and Recommendations
The Evaluation found that the programme has delivered notable successes, despite several challenges. Participating countries, such as Tonga and Vanuatu, demonstrated significant improvements in pest management capabilities, highlighted by the identification of the destructive fall armyworm during training in Vanuatu.
However, regional disparities remain evident, with Fiji emerging as a leader in infrastructure and skills. The disruption caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions delayed certain activities, yet many participating countries made substantial progress, including Samoa and Tonga, which launched their own plant health training programmes soon.
To address ongoing challenges, we recommended operationalising the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Learning (MERL) framework to better measure outcomes. Future training efforts should include a stronger focus on localised programmes led by experienced trainers, ensuring content aligns more closely with Pacific-specific contexts. Consolidating diagnostic resources into centralised facilities and digitising national pest and disease data repositories can significantly improve knowledge sharing and overall efficiency. Additionally, fostering long-term support through partnerships with international organisations can secure sustainable funding and expertise, while refining governance structures will help streamline decision-making processes.
Benefit to participating countries and New Zealand
For Pacific participating countries, the EPBP Programme has enhanced biosecurity capacity, empowering local teams to mitigate pest and disease outbreaks effectively. This strengthened capability has resulted in more efficient border processes, reducing cargo and passenger delays while bolstering food security and expanding trade opportunities. Together, these outcomes contribute to sustainable economic development across the region.
For New Zealand, the programme reinforces regional biosecurity networks, vital for protecting the nation from biosecurity threats linked to Pacific trade and travel. Furthermore, it solidifies New Zealand’s position as a global leader in biosecurity management, showcasing its expertise and commitment to international partnerships.
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