Invasive species have had devastating effects on Pacific Island biodiversity, ecosystem services, food, infrastructure, culture, and public health. Meanwhile, climate change is expected to worsen droughts and wildfires, increase storm severity, and raise the temperature, acidity, and sea level, all of which exacerbate invasive species issues and complicate management. Invasive species managers in the area are concerned about the impacts of climate change but are not satisfied with the knowledge currently available to help address these threats. They critically need easily accessible information, tools, and products that can help improve invasive species management in the face of climate change.
The Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management Network serves as a boundary spanning organization working at the interface between science producers and invasive species practitioners and was established in 2020 to increase the effectiveness of invasive species management in the face of climate change. Pacific RISCC partners include Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, covering an area larger than the continental U.S.
This project will synthesize, translate, and distribute relevant science, assess needs and facilitate the co-production of actionable research and products, and facilitate dialogue between researchers, resource managers, decision makers, and community members. Overall, this project will make it easier to share and learn about the best management practices across the region and help protect the communities and ecosystems of the Pacific.
