16 December 2014 | Comments
On 4 December 2014, the Economic Development Committee formally approved the Pesticide Policy for St Helena, developed by ANRD and the Public Health Section – following extensive stakeholder consultation.
The purpose of the policy is to provide the basis for promoting effective and sustainable pest, weed and disease management on St Helena, through improved pesticides management. It expresses the intention to actively consider a range of methods, including the introduction of new biological control agents and a comprehensive range of modern pesticides to target key problem species. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework adopts a broad approach to pest management based on prevention through the integration of cultural, biological and chemical control methods.
Our national IPM Vision for St Helena Island is:
“An effective IPM approach, based on good stewardship and holistic land use practices, to minimise the effects of invasive species and pesticide use on native plants, animals, and food supplies – ensuring St Helena’s people and environment (land, sea and sky) ‘grow healthy’.”
The term ‘grow healthy’ is considered to embrace the concepts of sustainability, self-sufficiency, livelihoods, worker safety, responsibility, consumer safety, resilience and a healthy future. This policy will be guided by the principles of safety, community, choice and sustainability.
And there are six strategic objectives:
- Access to a choice of control methods
- Adoption of local solutions
- Legislation and regulation
- Creation of an approved list of pesticides
- Public awareness and support, and
- Improved capacity
An implementation plan is also in place for priority actions to be delivered by responsible agencies.
Pest Control & Biosecurity Officer, Dr Jill Key, said of the implementation of the policy:
“This policy shows the way forward. It’s about having choices in how we control pests, and also about using pesticides safely. Safe not only for the people spraying pesticides, but also looking after the environment, protecting consumers of local produce and ensuring the quality of our valuable water supplies.
“This way we protect our future”.
The policy document can be found on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/integrated-pest-management/ or alternatively call the Pest Control & Biosecurity Service at ANRD on telephone 24724 for a hard copy.
SHG
16 December 2014
Comments