Decision COP XII/16

Reaffirming that the Guiding Principles for the Prevention, Introduction and Mitigation of Impacts of Alien Species that Threaten Ecosystems, Habitats or Species contained in the annex to decision VI/23 continue to provide guidance to Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and all biodiversity stakeholders,

Recalling its encouragement to Parties, in decision IX/4, to make use of the risk assessment guidance and other procedures and standards developed by the International Plant Protection Convention, the World Organisation for Animal Health and other relevant organizations,

Also recalling the request to the Executive Secretary, in decision XI/28, to continue to pursue the tasks set out in paragraphs 11, 12 and 13 of decision IX/4 A and paragraph 13 of decision X/38, especially regarding progress in its relationship with standard-setting bodies recognized by the World Trade Organization (the International Plant Protection Convention, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Codex Alimentarius Commission), and other relevant organizations, 

1. Adopts the voluntary guidance on devising and implementing measures to address the risks associated with the introduction of alien species as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, and as live bait and live food, as contained in the annex to this decision, noting that measures taken under this guidance are to be consistent with applicable national and international obligations; 

2. Urges Parties, other Governments, and relevant organizations to disseminate this guidance widely and to promote its use for the development of regulations, codes of conduct  and/or other guidance, as appropriate, by States, industry and relevant organizations at all levels, and to facilitate the harmonization of measures;

3. Invites Parties, Governments and other relevant bodies to make available relevant information, including the results of risk assessments on invasive alien species and lists of species, as well as National Invasive Species Strategies and Action Plans, through clearing-house mechanisms and/or the Global Invasive Alien Species Information Partnership;

4. Requests the Executive Secretary, in collaboration with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and relevant organizations, to explore ways and means to address the risks associated with trade in wildlife introduced as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, and as live bait and live food, noting that some trade is unregulated, unreported or illegal, including by enhancing cooperation with authorities responsible for the control of wildlife trade and to report to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice at a meeting prior to thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.