EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 10 - 2020 Num. article: 2020/230

Global guidelines for the sustainable use of non-native tree species


A list of eight global guidelines are suggested as a first step towards building global consensus on the precautions that should be taken when introducing and planting non-native trees. These guidelines are voluntary and are intended to complement statutory requirements under international and national legislation. The application of the global guidelines and the achievement of their goals will help to conserve forest biodiversity, ensure sustainable forestry, and contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations linked to forest biodiversity (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). The eight guidelines are:


  1. Use native trees, or non-invasive non-native trees, in preference to invasive non-native trees,
  2. Be aware of and comply with international, national, and regional regulations concerning non-native trees, 
  3. Be aware of the risk of invasion and consider global change trends,
  4. Design and adopt tailored practices for plantation site selection and silvicultural management,
  5. Promote and implement early detection and rapid response programmes,
  6. Design and adopt tailored practices for invasive non-native tree control, habitat restoration, and for dealing with highly modified ecosystems,
  7. Engage with stakeholders on the risks posed by invasive non-native trees, the impacts caused, and the options for management,
  8. Develop and support global networks, collaborative research, and information sharing on native and non-native trees.

Sources

Brundu G, Pauchard A, Pyšek P, Pergl J, Bindewald AM, Brunori A, Canavan S, Campagnaro T, Celesti-Grapow L, Dechoum M de S, Dufour-Dror J-M, Essl F, Flory SL, Genovesi P, Guarino F, Guangzhe L, Hulme PE, Jager H, Kettle CJ, Krumm F, Langdon B, Lapin K, Lozano V, Le Roux JJ, Novoa A, Nunez MA, Porte AJ, Silva JS, Schaffner U, Sitzia T, Tanner R, Tshidada N, Vitkova M, Westergren M, Wilson JRU, Richardson DM (2020) Global guidelines for the sustainable use of non-native trees to prevent tree invasions and mitigate their negative impacts. NeoBiota 61, 65–116.