The Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA) was created in 2004 by FAO to coordinate the collation and dissemination of information relating to forest invasive species in sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable forest management and conservation of biodiversity. The Network is open to all countries in sub-Saharan Africa that wish to participate. There is no distinction by language or forest type.

The objectives of the network are:

• To facilitate exchange of information and provide a link for communication about forest invasive species

• To alert and provide policy advice on transboundary movement, phytosanitary measures and other relevant information

• To raise regional awareness on forest invasive species issues

• To encourage the publication and sharing of research results, management and monitoring strategies

• To facilitate taxonomic support

• To act as a link between and among experts, institutions, networks and other stakeholders concerned with forest invasive species

• To facilitate the mobilization of resources for critical activities in management of invasive species

• To provide technical guides on research and control of invasives for sustainable forest protection and health issues in Africa

To achieve these objectives an active platform for discussion is required. Thus, the FISNA DGroup has been formed to facilitate communication within the network, allowing the participants to subscribe and share their experiences, questions and activities within a network of experts. As a discussion platform, the FISNA DGroup enables easy interaction across country and regional boundaries and between researchers, practitioners, administrators and others working with or interested in forest pests and their management.