From the 1st Asia Pacific Conference on Health Law 2010: Indonesia Must be Prepared in Dealing Biosecurity Threats

Manado — Food security and local economies in Indonesia tend to underestimate the threat which usually from foreign organisms that are intentionally or accidentally inserted into an area. This condition is revealed in the ASPACC on Health and Law, which was held in Manado from May 19 and will end today, in GKIC.

In the global view, Indonesia needs to consider its readiness to face the threats and risks of biosecurity. “To handle the risk of biosecurity requires a comprehensive and collective approach involving cross- ecological as well as cross-administration between neighboring countries”, said Dr John Tasirin from the Center for Biodiversity and Biosecurity Study, Pacific Institute for Sustainable Development, in its release.

The big threat may take the form of disease, or invasive species that attack humans, plants, animals and natural ecosystems. Whereas its routes of entry can be through passenger transportations or imported food products as well as natural events such as wildlife migration and wind storms.

The ASPACC on Health Law presented several papers in research related to biosecurity in the perspective of environmental issues, economic development, and environmental law. Some researchers that gave emphasis on those matters are Vasinova Miroslava (UNESCO), Ian Falk (AusIndo BIOCOM), Ruth Wallace (CDU), John Tasirin (UNSRAT), Wiske Rotinsulu (UNSRAT), Marthen nDoen (SWCU), and Theofransus Litaay (SWCU).

The entry of a foreign organism, continued Tasirin, could massively lead to the collapse of the agriculture industry, animal husbandry, fisheries, and serious public health problems as well as damaging the natural ecosystems. Therefore, the management of biosecurity is a strategy for protecting local economy, traditional food products, and natural ecosystems.

One of the most important aspects is the improvement of the capacity of the authorities as well as the society, to strengthen preparedness in dealing with various forms of biosecurity threats. The threat caused by the transportation of agricultural seeds, aquaculture seedlings, ornamental plants, fruits, pets, and aquarium ornaments are often overlooked.

Indonesia needs to formulate strategic measurements to identify potential biosecurity risks that can bring greater threats.

From Manado Post, Saturday 22 May 2010; Indonesian version can be seen/downloaded at the link below.

Dari 1st Asia Pacific Conference on Health Law 2010: Indonesia Harus Siap Hadapi Ancaman Biosecurity