Collaborative planning and shared decision making in plant biosecurity risk management – deciding if a pest is technically feasible to eradicate

Abstract

Good decision making in biosecurity is essential for good biosecurity outcomes for stakeholders. Biosecurity decisions are not only numerous but also extremely complex with multiple decision makers having to evaluate technical scientific information as well as consider practical, legal and social implications. We are developing an overall framework for decision making and planning for biosecurity, including best practice guidelines and a toolbox for decision making and planning. The development of the framework is guided by a mentor network of end users providing insight and feedback into their decision making needs as well as through the use of the literature, case studies and workshops and interviews with stakeholders. This talk focuses on one of the case studies used to develop the framework. The case study developed a tool for assisting decision makers in deciding if a newly found pest is technically feasible to eradicate. Decision criteria were first established then organised into hierarchy. Several decision tools including a checklist, modified Bayesian Network and an argument tree were developed using the criteria. The criteria and the tools were evaluated and enhanced by a core group of decision makers through a workshop and survey and the refined version will then be sent to a wider range of decision makers including external stakeholders for further feedback. The final tool will be implemented with a training package to decision makers involved in deciding if a pest is technically feasible to eradicate.