A new initiative to strengthen the conservation and utilization of coconut diversity was recently launched.

The initiative will also support the rejuvenation of coconut-based livelihoods in the Pacific Islands.

It was launched earlier this week in Nadi by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Pacific Community (SPC).

The ambitious initiative aims to address biotic threats to coconut diversity thereby contributing to the sustainable development goal of improving the livelihoods of smallholders and their communities in the region.

The $2.9 million project ‘Safeguarding and Deploying Coconut Diversity for Improving Livelihoods in the Pacific Islands’ will primarily carry out research to facilitate the safe movement of coconut genetic resources between and amongst countries, improve procedures for the long term conservation through low-temperature storage in the SPC’s Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees.

The project will also support other ongoing initiatives in the region on addressing issues associated with pests and diseases.