Update On French Caribbean Safeguarding Invasive Species Ciradinra Initiatives

Currently five collaborative research networks are proposed, and each is to be built as a network around topics on the security, health and emerging diseases of crops in the Caribbean region. The five proposed networks are as follows: (i) begomoviruses on tomato, (ii) coconut lethal yellowing, (iii) emerging and invasive citrus diseases (tristeza, citrus canker, CVC and greening), (iv) established and emerging diseases and pests of sugarcane and (v) cercosporiosis diseases and BSV in bananas and plantains. The first contact missions to finalize the drafts of the networks projects with the various partners began in May 2005 within the framework of a global project financed by the French Government and Guadeloupe Regional Council. Phytosanitary Risk Analyses were made in 2003 and 2004 by CIRAD with the Cooperation Mission of the French Ministry of Agriculture Plant Health Board. A sixth network, CaribVET, has been functioning since 1999. CaribVET is an inspection network recognized at the Caribbean regional level. It includes the veterinary services, laboratories of diagnosis, universities, and national and international partners engaged in monitoring animal health. Within the framework of the activities of this network, missions of technical support and diagnosis in the member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) began in 2004 and will continue in 2005 mainly with funding support of the French Embassy and the Ministère des Affaires Etrangères.