SCIENCE SESSION | Forest Biosecurity
Date: Wednesday 15 February
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm (AEDT)
RFP CPD points: 1.5
About
In this Science Session, speakers will discuss different aspect of Forest Biosecurity. Invasive pests such as insects, weeds, and diseases threaten forest health and productivity. Therefore, to protect forests, it is vital that the risks posed by invasives are minimised and that effective mitigation and response plans are in place should an incursion occur.
Dr Madaline Healey will be using examples of invasive Australian pests of Eucalyptus and Acacia and endemic threats. Dr Healey will discuss a people-centered approach to forest biosecurity. Focusing on several ACIAR-funded projects, she will demonstrate the value of national and regional approaches to forest biosecurity development to mitigate risk and increase preparedness in Australian and global forest settings.
Francisco (Paco) Tovar, Forest Biosecurity Manager at Australian Forest Products Association will talk about the research that enabled the set up the National Forest Pest Surveillance Program.
David Smith, BAgSci Forest Pathologist / Entomologist at ArborCarbon will discuss giant pine scale and forest biosecurity.
Forestry Australia Member: $10 | Non-Member: $50 | Student members: Free
Registrations close: Tuesday 14 February 2023
Dr Madaline Healey
Dr Healey works at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) focusing on integrated pest management, biological control and forest biosecurity.
She is involved in two ACIAR biosecurity focussed projects: one with researchers and stakeholders in the Mekong countries to improve the tools and technologies available for good forestry biosecurity practices in the region; and the other in Ethiopia looking to develop IPM strategies and biosecurity initiatives for forestry crops.
Her interests are trees, veggies and all things insects as she completes a Masters in Global Studies at RMIT.
Francisco (Paco) Tovar
Paco (Francisco) Tovar is the National Forest Biosecurity Manager at the Australian Forest Products Association. He is responsible for providing industry oversight of the National Forest Pest Surveillance Program and represents industry interests in relation to biosecurity incidents.
Previously at Plant Health Australia he was tasked with implementing biosecurity capacity building activities set out under the National Forest Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy that are aimed at protecting Australia’s native forests, plantations and urban amenity trees.
Paco has over 18 years experience working alongside stakeholders to implement strategies and R,D&E in the fields of silviculture, tree health, surveillance and biosecurity.”
David Smith
David joined ArborCarbon in 2022 bring over 21 years’ experience as a forest pathologist / entomologist with work in the field of forest health research and surveillance within various Victorian government departments responsible for forest management (both urban, plantation and native forests), and within the University of Melbourne.
David has worked as Senior Forest Biosecurity Officer with Agriculture Victoria as scientific advisor to the Chief Plant Health Officer and as Honorary Research Fellow with the University of Melbourne.
With thanks to our 2023 Webinar Program Sponsors:
