SPC Land Resources Division (LRD)

The Land Resources Division (LRD) within the Pacific Community evolved from a set of regional projects into a fully-fledged Division with expertise in specialized areas across the development of natural resources. As a repository for scientific and technical knowledge on agriculture, forestry and land use, LRD has assisted in the development of networks both within the region and internationally. LRD aims to contribute to the Pacific Community goals for a “resilient and food and nutritionally secure Pacific peoples and communities, with well-managed natural resources, ecosystems and markets”. The division has expertise in the conservation of genetic resources, climate-smart agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agriculture extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. LRD works with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions identify gaps present within the member PICT’s and provide technical expert help where the need to address these issues/gaps. LRD’s mission is to provide effective expert scientific advice and services on agriculture and forestry, utilizing the latest innovative and relevant applications for sustainable food and nutritional security and the enhancement of climate change adaptation.

Among LRD’s core competencies are its operational capacity in the generation and promotion of crop production technologies related to sustainable seed systems, soil health and water management in order to conserve and make available plant and tree crop genetic resources for food and nutrition security.

The Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) is a unique resource that has significance for enhancing food security, both in the Pacific and at global level. Through its partnerships with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), CePaCT has access to and shares genetic resources with international gene banks around the world. CePaCT’s modus operandi is supported by innovation to meet challenges including climate change and the pandemic of NCDs.

In addition to the work of CePaCT, LRD’s core competencies lie in animal and plant health and in its ability to build the capacity and coordinate early warning, preparedness and response to the incursion of transboundary pests and diseases. Under the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific - 2017-2030 (FRDP), LRD is providing technical support to countries impacted by drought, tropical cyclones, and flash floods and addressing in a coordinated way the incursion of crop and animal pest and diseases (such as the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle).