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The international mandate

Turning the tide of invasions

Awareness of the threats invasive species pose to indigenous biodiversity and to peoples’ livelihoods is increasing worldwide.

There is growing support from governments and international agencies for more effective action to limit the further spread of invasive species and to more-effectively manage them at key sites. International conventions are being enacted in support of policies and initiatives to address these threats.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to which New Zealand is a signatory, includes a specific provision (Article 8[h]) to minimise the spread and impact of invasive species.  An ‘Islands Programme of Work’ has been initiated through the CBD which includes invasive species as one of its thematic priorities.

The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) was established to support implementation of the CBD by tackling the invasive species issue at a global scale. The Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) was launched under the auspices of the CBD in 2006 with a particular focus on islands. Its aim is to catalyse action for conservation and sustainable livelihoods on islands.  Invasive species are a key theme as part of this initiative.

The Pacific Invasives Initiative (PII) is the first regional programme of the Cooperative Initiative on Invasive Alien Species on Islands. Based at the University of Auckland the PII is already being viewed as an important model for potential adaptation and application in other regions and countries.

The European Commission has recently endorsed a European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species and is considering a range of measures to set priorities and to undertake invasive species management projects on European islands.

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