Outcome on invasive alien species of 10th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Nagoya, JP, 2010-10-18/29)
Governments meeting at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP10) in Nagoya (JP) on 201-10-18/29 have approved a new Strategic Plan for the next ten years to reduce the current pressures on the planet’s biodiversity.
A document was adopted on Invasive Alien Species and can be found on the website of the Convention on Biological Diversity. An ad hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) was created to further explore issues concerning invasive alien species introduced as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, and as live baits and live food. The mandate of the AHTEG is to identify and consider relevant, specific and concrete tools, voluntary Codes of conduct, methodologies, guidance, best-practice examples and instruments including possible regulatory mechanisms for addressing the risks associated with the introduction of alien species as pets, aquarium and terrarium species and as live bait and live food, including for:
- controlling, monitoring and prohibiting, where appropriate, export, import and transit at local, national, and regional level, taking into account national legislations where applicable;
- controlling internet trade, associated transport and other relevant pathways;
- developing and utilizing risk assessment and risk management;
- developing and utilizing early-detection and rapid response systems;
- regulating the export, import and transit of potentially invasive alien species traded as pets likely to be released;
- raising public awareness- and disseminating information;
- enhancing transboundary where appropriate, regional cooperation and approaches.
Biodiversity-related conventions and relevant international organizations such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) or the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) will be consulted.
The conference of the parties also recognized the importance of regional collaboration, the need to address the risks from invasive alien species used as biofuel crops and for carbon sequestration. It was also requested that information is compiled on the adaptation of biodiversity and ecosystems to climate change, to promote cooperation on the management of invasive alien species in particular in river basin, to incorporate the lessons learned on regional island collaboration to manage the threat of invasive alien species and to ensure the participation of indigenous and local communities in addressing invasive alien species.
Sources
IUCN News - Press Release http://www.iucn.org/?6406/Deadline-Life--Nagoya-defines-future-for-life-on-earth
Convention on Biological Diversity Website, COP 10 in session documents http://www.cbd.int/cop10/insession/