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Junko Shimura
Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
E-mail: junko.shimura@cbd.intBiography Presentation International approach to tackle the threats from invasive alien species
Never before in the history of humanity have humans altered the planet so dramatically as in the last 50 years. While this has led to much advancement in technology, nutrition, development, urbanization and so on, it has also opened the door to tremendous environmental degradation, economic collapse, social unrest, among other challenges. In particular, increased travel and trade has opened the door to the introduction of invasive alien species in countries around the world. These species upset the balance of local ecosystems and hinder the access of local populations to water, food, building materials, and other resources. Moreover, the spread of these alien species is enhanced by other global challenges such as climate change, landuse changes, population growth, and so on. Global challenges need global solutions. the Secretariat has been working closely with other United Nations agencies and other organizations to fill regulatory framework gaps and to facilitate implementation. Among such organizations are the International Plant Protection Convention, the World Organization for Animal Health, the World Trade Organization, the Committee on Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialists Group and the Global Invasive Species Programme. The Convention on Biological Diversity dedicated the 2009 International Day for Biodiversity to the topic of Invasive Alien Species. IAS do not adhere to international boundaries and thus, synergies and coordination between national efforts are necessary in order to tackle this severe threat to biodiversity. The CBD calls on all member countries to address these issues within their borders and then invites governments to work across them. Only by working together will the challenges be overcome.
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