Retired sections: paragraphs 3-5, 13 and 15-16.
Alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species
The Conference of the Parties,
1. Urges Parties, Governments and relevant organizations to apply
the interim guiding principles contained in annex I to the present decision,
as appropriate, in the context of activities aimed at implementing Article
8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and in the various sectors;
2. Endorses the outline for case-studies contained in annex II to
the present decision;
3. Urges Parties, Governments and relevant organizations to submit
case-studies to the Executive Secretary, particularly focusing on thematic
assessments, on the basis of the outline contained in the annex to the
present decision;
4. Requests the Convention's clearing-house mechanism to disseminate
and compile these case-studies;
5. Requests Parties, other Governments, relevant bodies and other
relevant international and regional binding and non-binding instruments, in
the light of discussions by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and
Technological Advice at its fifth meeting, to submit to the Executive
Secretary written comments on the interim guiding principles, to be taken
into account, together with the case-studies, in the further elaboration of
the interim guiding principles, to be considered by the Subsidiary Body prior
to the sixth meeting of the Conference of Parties, and requests the Executive
Secretary to distribute those comments through the national focal points;
6. Urges Parties, other Governments and relevant bodies to give
priority to the development and implementation of alien invasive species
strategies and action plans;
7. Strongly encourages Parties to develop mechanisms for
transboundary cooperation and regional and multilateral cooperation in order
to deal with the issue, including the exchange of best practices;
8. Urges Parties, other Governments and relevant bodies, such as the
Global Invasive Species Programme, in their work on alien invasive species,
to give priority attention to geographically and evolutionarily isolated
ecosystems, and to use the ecosystem approach and precautionary and
biogeographical approaches, as appropriate;
9. Encourages Parties to develop effective education, training and
public-awareness measures, as well as to inform the public about the
different aspects of the issue, including the risks posed by alien invasive
species;
10. Requests the Global Invasive Species Programme, in developing a
global strategy to deal with alien invasive species, to ensure consistency
with the provisions on alien invasive species in Article 8(h) of the
Convention and relevant provisions within other articles, including
Article 14, taking into full account considerations on alien invasive species
within relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties on, for example,
the conservation and sustainable use of inland-water, marine and coastal and
forest biological diversity, and the biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands;
11. Requests the Executive Secretary to cooperate with other
international bodies and other relevant international and regional binding
and non-binding instruments, such as the Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar), the
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the
International Plant Protection Convention and regional plant protection
organizations, Codex Alimentarius, DIVERSITAS, the Office International des
Epizooties, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, and the organizations mentioned in paragraph 14 of the present
decision, with the aim of coordinating work on alien invasive species, and to
report on potential joint programmes of work to the Subsidiary Body on
Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice;
12. Invites the Parties, Governments, the Global Invasive Species
Programme and other relevant bodies, to disseminate publicly available
information which they hold or acquire, including databases of alien species,
through the Convention's clearing-house mechanism;
13. Invites the Global Invasive Species Programme to report on its
September 2000 meeting on the "synthesis of GISP phase 1" to the Subsidiary
Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice prior to the sixth
meeting of the Conference of Parties, recognizing the need to continue the
work of the Global Invasive Species Programme through the prompt development
of the second phase of the Global Invasive Species Programme, with emphasis
on ecosystems vulnerable to alien species invasions;
14. Requests the Executive Secretary to collaborate with the Global
Invasive Species Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, the International Maritime Organization, the World Health
Organization and other relevant organizations, and other relevant
internationally and regionally binding and non-binding instruments to assist
the Parties to the Convention in:
(a) Developing standardized terminology on alien species;
(b) Developing criteria for assessing risks from introduction of
alien species;
(c) Developing processes for assessing the socio-economic
implications of alien invasive species, particularly the implications for
indigenous and local communities;
(d) Furthering research on the impact of alien invasive species on
biological diversity;
(e) Developing means to enhance the capacity of ecosystems to resist
or recover from alien species invasions;
(f) Developing a system for reporting new invasions of alien species
and the spread of alien species into new areas;
(g) Assessing priorities for taxonomic work;
15. Requests the Executive Secretary, in collaboration with the
Global Invasive Species Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization, the World Health
Organization and other relevant organizations and instruments to develop a
paper for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and
Technological Advice and the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting,
comprising:
(a) A comprehensive review on the efficiency and efficacy of existing
measures for prevention, early detection, eradication and control of alien
invasive species and their impacts;
(b) A progress report on the matters listed in paragraphs 5 and 14 of
the present decision;
(c) All options for future work on alien invasive species under the
Convention on Biological Diversity, which would provide practical support to
Parties, Governments and organizations in the implementation of Article 8(h)
of the Convention and lead to the full and effective implementation of
Article 8(h);
16. Decides that, at its sixth meeting, the Conference of the
Parties, on the basis of the information referred to in paragraphs 5 and 15
of the present decision, will consider options for the full and effective
implementation of Article 8(h) including the possibilities of:
(a) Further developing the guiding principles on the prevention of
introduction, and mitigation of the impacts, of alien invasive species;
(b) Developing an international instrument; and/or
(c) Other options;
17. Invites the Global Environment Facility, Parties, Governments and
funding organizations to provide adequate and timely support to enable the
Global Invasive Species Programme to fulfil the tasks outlined in the present
decision.
INTERIM GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PREVENTION, INTRODUCTION
AND MITIGATION OF IMPACTS OF ALIEN SPECIES
It should be noted that in the interim guiding principles below, terms
are used for which a definition has not yet been developed, pending a
decision by the Conference of Parties on the development of a standardized
terminology on alien species, as mentioned in paragraph 5 of recommendation
V/4. In the interim and for the purpose of these interim principles, to
avoid confusion the following definitions are used: (i) "alien" or "alien
species" refers to a species occurring outside its normal distribution; and
(ii) "alien invasive species" refers to those alien species which threaten
ecosystems, habitats or species
A. General
Guiding principle 1: Precautionary approach
Given the unpredictability of the impacts on biological diversity of
alien species, efforts to identify and prevent unintentional introductions as
well as decisions concerning intentional introductions should be based on the
precautionary approach. Lack of scientific certainty about the
environmental, social and economic risk posed by a potentially invasive alien
species or by a potential pathway should not be used as a reason for not
taking preventative action against the introduction of potentially invasive
alien species. Likewise, lack of certainty about the long-term implication
of an invasion should not be used as a reason for postponing eradication,
containment or control measures.
Guiding principle 2: Three-stage hierarchical approach
Prevention is generally far more cost effective and environmentally
desirable than measures taken following introduction of an alien invasive
species. Priority should be given to prevention of entry of alien invasive
species (both between and within States). If entry has already taken place,
actions should be undertaken to prevent the establishment and spread of alien
species. The preferred response would be eradication at the earliest
possible stage (principle 13). In the event that eradication is not feasible
or is not cost-effective, containment (principle 14) and long-term control
measures (principle 15) should be considered. Any examination of benefits
and costs (both environmental and economic) should be done on a long-term
basis.
Guiding principle 3: Ecosystem approach
All measures to deal with alien invasive species should be based on the
ecosystem approach, in line with the relevant provisions of the Convention
and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties.
Guiding principle 4: State responsibility
States should recognize the risk that they may pose to other States as
a potential source of alien invasive species, and should take appropriate
actions to minimize that risk. In accordance with Article 3 of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, and principle 2 of the 1992 Rio
Declaration on Environment and Development, States have the responsibility to
ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause
damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of
national jurisdiction. In the context of alien invasive species, activities
that could be a risk for another State include:
(a) The intentional or unintentional transfer of an alien invasive
species to another State (even if it is harmless in the State of origin); and
(b) The intentional or unintentional introduction of an alien species
into their own State if there is a risk of that species subsequently
spreading (with or without a human vector) into another State and becoming
invasive
Guiding principle 5: Research and monitoring
In order to develop an adequate knowledge base to address the problem,
States should undertake appropriate research on and monitoring of alien
invasive species. This should document the history of invasions (origin,
pathways and time-period), characteristics of the alien invasive species,
ecology of the invasion, and the associated ecological and economic impacts
and how they change over time. Monitoring is the key to early detection of
new alien species. It requires targeted and general surveys, which can
benefit from the involvement of local communities.
Guiding principle 6: Education and public awareness
States should facilitate education and public awareness of the risks
associated with the introduction of alien species. When mitigation measures
are required, education and public-awareness-oriented programmes should be
set in motion so as to inform local communities and appropriate sector groups
on how to support such measures.
B. Prevention
Guiding principle 7: Border control and quarantine measures
1. States should implement border control and quarantine measures to
ensure that:
(a) Intentional introductions are subject to appropriate
authorization (principle 10);
(b) Unintentional or unauthorized introductions of alien species are
minimized.
2. These measures should be based on an assessment of the risks posed by
alien species and their potential pathways of entry. Existing appropriate
governmental agencies or authorities should be strengthened and broadened as
necessary, and staff should be properly trained to implement these measures.
Early detection systems and regional coordination may be useful.
Guiding principle 8: Exchange of information
States should support the development of database(s), such as that
currently under development by the Global Invasive Species Programme, for
compilation and dissemination of information on alien species that threaten
ecosystems, habitats or species, to be used in the context of any prevention,
introduction and mitigation activities. This information should include
incident lists, information on taxonomy and ecology of invasive species and
on control methods, whenever available. The wide dissemination of this
information, as well as national, regional and international guidelines,
procedures and recommendations such as those being compiled by the Global
Invasive Species Programme should also be facilitated through, inter alia,
the clearing-house mechanism
Guiding principle 9: Cooperation, including capacity-building
Depending on the situation, a State's response might be purely internal
(within the country), or may require a cooperative effort between two or more
countries, such as:
(a) Where a State of origin is aware that a species being exported
has the potential to be invasive in the receiving State, the exporting State
should provide information, as available, on the potential invasiveness of
the species to the importing State. Particular attention should be paid
where exporting Parties have similar environments;
(b) Agreements between countries, on a bilateral or multilateral
basis, should be developed and used to regulate trade in certain alien
species, with a focus on particularly damaging invasive species;
(c) States should support capacity-building programmes for States
that lack the expertise and resources, including financial, to assess the
risks of introducing alien species. Such capacity-building may involve
technology transfer and the development of training programmes.
C. Introduction of species
Guiding principle 10: Intentional introduction
No intentional introduction should take place without proper
authorization from the relevant national authority or agency. A risk
assessment, including environmental impact assessment, should be carried out
as part of the evaluation process before coming to a decision on whether or
not to authorize a proposed introduction. States should authorize the
introduction of only those alien species that, based on this prior
assessment, are unlikely to cause unacceptable harm to ecosystems, habitats
or species, both within that State and in neighbouring States. The burden of
proof that a proposed introduction is unlikely to cause such harm should be
with the proposer of the introduction. Further, the anticipated benefits of
such an introduction should strongly outweigh any actual and potential
adverse effects and related costs. Authorization of an introduction may,
where appropriate, be accompanied by conditions (e.g., preparation of a
mitigation plan, monitoring procedures, or containment requirements). The
precautionary approach should be applied throughout all the above-mentioned
measures.
Guiding principle 11: Unintentional introductions
1. All States should have in place provisions to address unintentional
introductions (or intentional introductions that have established and become
invasive). These include statutory and regulatory measures, institutions and
agencies with appropriate responsibilities and with the operational resources
required for rapid and effective action.
2. Common pathways leading to unintentional introductions need to be
identified and appropriate provisions to minimize such introductions should
be in place. Sectoral activities, such as fisheries, agriculture, forestry,
horticulture, shipping (including the discharge of ballast waters), ground
and air transportation, construction projects, landscaping, ornamental
aquaculture, tourism and game-farming, are often pathways for unintentional
introductions. Legislation requiring environmental impact assessment of such
activities should also require an assessment of the risks associated with
unintentional introductions of alien invasive species.
D. Mitigation of impacts
Guiding principle 12: Mitigation of impacts
Once the establishment of an alien invasive species has been detected,
States should take steps such as eradication, containment and control, to
mitigate the adverse effects. Techniques used for eradication, containment
or control should be cost-effective, safe to the environment, humans and
agriculture, as well as socially, culturally and ethically acceptable.
Mitigation measures should take place in the earliest possible stage of
invasion, on the basis of the precautionary approach. Hence, early detection
of new introductions of potentially invasive or invasive species is
important, and needs to be combined with the capacity to take rapid follow-up
action.
Guiding principle 13: Eradication
Where it is feasible and cost-effective, eradication should be given
priority over other measures to deal with established alien invasive species.
The best opportunity for eradicating alien invasive species is in the early
stages of invasion, when populations are small and localized; hence, early
detection systems focused on high-risk entry points can be critically useful.
Community support, built through comprehensive consultation, should be an
integral part of eradication projects.
Guiding principle 14: Containment
When eradication is not appropriate, limitation of spread (containment)
is an appropriate strategy only where the range of the invasive species is
limited and containment within defined boundaries is possible. Regular
monitoring outside the control boundaries is essential, with quick action to
eradicate any new outbreaks.
Guiding principle 15: Control
Control measures should focus on reducing the damage caused rather than
on merely reducing the numbers of the alien invasive species. Effective
control will often rely on a range of integrated techniques. Most control
measures will need to be regularly applied, resulting in a recurrent
operating budget and the need for a long-term commitment to achieve and
maintain results. In some instances, biological control may give long-term
suppression of an alien invasive species without recurrent costs, but should
always be implemented in line with existing national regulations,
international codes and principle 10 above.
OUTLINE FOR CASE-STUDIES ON ALIEN SPECIES
To the extent possible, case-studies should be short and succinct
summaries of experience on alien species at the country and regional levels
A case-study should focus on the prevention of introduction, control, and
eradication of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.
Case-studies should include the following sections (a summary of the
information may be provided under each heading, and a more detailed paper may
be attached; if the information were not available, this should be indicated
in the appropriate section):
1. Description of the problem
(a) Location of the case-study
(b) History (origin, pathway and dates, including time-period between
initial entry/first detection of alien species and development of
impacts) of introduction(s)
(c) Description of the alien species concerned: biology of the alien
species (the scientific name of species should be indicated if
possible) and ecology of the invasion(s) (type of and potential or
actual impacts on biological diversity and ecosystem(s) invaded or
threatened, and stakeholders involved)
(d) Vector(s) of invasion(s) (e.g. of deliberate importation,
contamination of imported goods, ballast water, hull-fouling and
spread from adjacent area. It should be specified, if known,
whether entry was deliberate and legal, deliberate and illegal,
accidental, or natural.)
(e) Assessment and monitoring activities conducted and methods
applied, including difficulties encountered (e.g. uncertainties
due to missing taxonomic knowledge)
2. Options considered to address the problem
(a) Description of the decision-making process (stakeholders involved,
consultation processes used, etc.)
(b) Type of measures (research and monitoring; training of
specialists; prevention, early detection, eradication,
control/containment measures, habitat and/or natural community
restoration; legal provisions; public education and awareness)
(c) Options selected, time-frame and reasons for selecting the options
(d) Institutions responsible for decisions and actions
3. Implementation of measures, including assessment of effectiveness
(a) Ways and means set in place for implementation
(b) Achievements (specify whether the action was fully successful,
partially successful, or unsuccessful), including any adverse
effects of the actions taken on the conservation and sustainable
use of biodiversity
(c) Costs of action
4. Lessons learned from the operation and other conclusions
(a) Further measures needed, including transboundary, regional and
multilateral cooperation
(b) Replicability for other regions, ecosystems or groups of organisms
(c) Information compilation and dissemination needed
