Policy and Strategy
Here we detail how the GB governments' policies on non-native species fit into the wider global picture. All GB policy on non-native species is underpinned by Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, that requires contracting parties to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystem, habitats or species.
GB Policy
In March 2001 a working group was set up to review invasive non-native species policy throughout Great Britain. This group was chaired by Defra and included representatives from Scotland and Wales, as well as from other government departments, statutory nature conservation bodies, NGOs and trade interests.
The group made 8 key recommendations for further action, which were set out in A Review of Non-Native Species Policy published in March 2003. The Government Response was published shortly afterwards and this was consulted on by GB Administrations (Scotland consulted on the legislative measures (Key Recommendation 5 of the Review) during August and September 2003 and on the remaining recommendations between March and June 2004; England and Wales consulted on all recommendations between December 2003 and March 2004).
One of the key recommendations of the review was to designate a co-ordinating body to undertake the role of co-ordinating and ensuring consistency of application of non-native species policy across government. This led to the formation of the GB Non-native Species Mechanism, which consists of the Programme Board, a secretariat, working groups and a stakeholder forum.
GB Strategy
The GB Programme Board set up the Non-native Species Strategy Working Group in March 2006 to develop a Strategy for Non-native Species in Great Britain. A draft Strategy has been produced in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.
In order to help inform development of the strategy, an audit of the existing roles and responsibilities across govenments and NDPBs in England, Scoltand and Wales was undertaken in 2006. A report of its findings can be found here.
European Strategy
European Strategy for Invasive Alien Species. The Bern Convention initiative for a European Strategy for Invasive Alien Species was developed in collaboration with the European Section of the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group in 2000 and was approved by the Bern Convention Standing Committee in 2003. The Strategy promotes the development and implementation of co-ordinated measures and co-operative efforts throughout Europe to prevent or minimise adverse impacts of invasive alien species on Europe's biodiversity, as well as their economic consequences and impacts on human health.
International Policy and Strategy
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
This convention arose from the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio in 1992. Within the framework of the convention there are 15 Guiding Principles for the prevention, introduction and mitigation of impacts of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. The principles provide an international framework for governments and other organisations to develop effective strategies to prevent introduction, control and eradicate invasive non-native species. Article 8(h) states that each Contracting Party shall prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. Invasive alien species are also formally addressed in the Global Strategy on Plant Conservation.
2010 Target
Contracting Parties to the CBD agreed to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level. In particular, one of the seven focal areas, area (c) refers to 'addressing the major threats to biodiversity, including those arising from invasive alien species, climate change, pollution, and habitat change'.