Work

Biosecurity problem representation(s) by tree and forest health actors in Southeast Asia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tree and forest biosecurity policies and practices are evolving in response to changing and growing threats. While much research is reflected in the literature on solving the problem(s) of biosecurity, less has been written about how the problem is represented. We analysed how the problem of tree and forest biosecurity is represented by researchers, quarantine and government officials in Southeast Asian countries. Foremost, we find, is a problem representation of protecting trees and forests from pest and disease threats, driven by the movement of goods and people across borders, for social and ecological benefits. Inside this problem representation there is an elaboration of technical and administrative challenges—what we call ‘inner’ problems. Away from these inner problems, however, we find less engagement with contextual issues in the problem representation—‘outer’ problems. These outer problems of social, economic and political aspects of the biosecurity problem are pivotal to understanding biosecurity's central dilemma, that is, conducting trade and movement of people while managing the risk of pest and disease spread. Representing biosecurity as a technical and administrative problem alone consolidates the idea of biosecurity as a problem only for experts. Here, we argue this representation should be challenged when a growing body of biosecurity research and policy discussion points to the need for relational, networked and shared responsibilities in biosecurity systems. Paying attention to how biosecurity is problematised, inner and outer, provides an opportunity to support policymakers and practitioners in developing diversified forest biosecurity social networks.

Source: Forest Policy and Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103509

Authors: Russell Warman, Simon Lawson, Morag Glen, Harriot Beazley, Madaline Healey

Institutions: University of Tasmania, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of the Sunshine Coast

Language: English

Topic: Forest Insect Ecology and Management

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,370