The 12th meeting of the Bern Convention Group of Experts on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) took place in Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) from 1 to 3 June 2017. This group of experts, created in 1993, has as its mandate to assess the implementation by states of the European Strategy for Invasive Alien Species adopted by the Standing Committee to the Convention and make proposals to further European work aimed to avoid the introduction of new invasive alien species in Europe and eradicate or control the spread of such species, avoiding its unfavourable effects on native biodiversity. Some of the subjects discussed in Madeira were the eradication of IAS on islands, planted forest and IA Trees, international travel as a vector of introduction of IAS, the presentation of the “Honolulu Challenge on IAS” endorsed at the last IUCN World Conservation Congress and the possible use of postal and sanitary regulations to avoid new introductions. Several organisations and countries informed on their present efforts to combat IAS, in particular the European Commission.
More information on the webpage of the meeting.
