This proposal seeks funding to implement proactive measures for LFA detection and mitigation before they establish themselves in cnmi, thereby preventing severe biodiversity loss, crop damage,…

The Department of the Interior Insular Affairs awarded $100,000 to the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on December 5, 2025, under the Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875) to implement proactive Little Fire Ant (LFA) detection and mitigation measures across the Northern Mariana Islands.

The project executes in five phases over a one-year period through September 30, 2029. Preparation (months 1–2) finalizes agreements and procures equipment. Training and capacity building (months 2–4) trains CNMI biosecurity staff on LFA detection methods. Surveillance implementation (months 4–12) conducts quarterly surveillance at high-risk areas using GIS tools and eDNA methods for precise monitoring. Outreach and engagement (months 3–12) educates stakeholders and the public on LFA risks and prevention. Reporting and evaluation (months 6–12) delivers mid-term reports and a final summary of activities, outcomes, and recommendations.

The Office of the Governor operates as a prime recipient with no sub-recipients on this award. The project addresses biodiversity loss, crop damage, ecosystem degradation, health risks from LFA stings, and threats to the CNMI's tourism economy by preventing LFA establishment before they take hold in the territory. Performance occurs across the Northern Mariana Islands.

This proposal seeks funding to implement proactive measures for LFA detection and mitigation before they establish themselves in cnmi, thereby preventing severe biodiversity loss, crop damage, ecosystem degradation, and potential health risks from LFA stings. Additionally, the threat to cnmi's tourism industry, a vital economic sector, underscores the importance of addressing this issue swiftly. The project will be executed in five phases over a one-year period: 1. Preparation (months 1-2) will focus on finalizing agreements and procuring necessary equipment. 2. Training and capacity building (months 2-4) will involve training cnmi biosecurity staff on LFA detection methods. 3. Surveillance implementation (months 4-12) will conduct quarterly surveillance at high-risk areas, utilizing GIS tools and edna methods for precise monitoring. 4. Outreach and engagement (months 3-12) will educate stakeholders and the public on the risks and prevention of LFA invasions. 5. Reporting and evaluation (months 6-12) will provide mid-term reports and a final summary of activities, outcomes, and recommendations for future action.