Target 6: Invasive species

Main aim of target

• Further introduction of IAS should be avoided/stopped/prevented

It is vital to address the underlying causes of IAS: i.e., large monocultures where IAS multiply rapidly, chemical destruction of species that could use IAS as prey; Identify pathways of introductions and transfer of e.g.: plants around the world without proper measures to ensure they are not harbouring potential IAS; the pet trade …, use of pesticides that actually open up niches for new pests…

Elements to be replaced

• “Manage pathways” to be replaced by “Avoid” or “Prevent” the introduction of IAS

It is highly unclear what “manage pathways” actually means

• Identify IAS

Continuous follow up of the appearance of new IAS is very important and pre-empting new introductions e. g through introduction pathways analyses. IAS can´t be controlled without the awareness they are there, and early identification makes control easier.

• Control and eradicate in a sustainable manner

Ways of dealing with IAS should be environmentally sound and not generate new risks for the

environment or other forms of degradation.

• “50%” by 80%

IAS are a major threat for biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable, biodiverse agriculture, we

need to control as many of them as possible. 50% is not sufficient

Elements that should NOT be part of the target

• Gene drives

This is an example of ‘innovation,’ that has side- and long-term effects that are entirely

unknown, unpredictable and could be devastating. The text should not be calling out specific

technologies, and gene drive technologies should not be proposed as a tool in conservation of

biodiversity

• Innovation and the use of new tools

Having language focus solely on ‘innovation’ opens the door for potentially high-risk synthetic

biology technologies (e.g., gene drives) to be developed and adopted without assessment and

comprehensive evaluations. The CBD should be addressing the underlying causes of invasive

species. The text should emphasise traditional knowledge, and land management and

stewardship.