1) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Document: 1992
Entry into force: 1993
The Convention on Biological Diversity is one of the first conventions to link the protection of biodiversity to sustainable development. It was negotiated at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro World Summit and has three main objectives: (1) the conservation and protection of biodiversity, (2) the sustainable use of natural resources and (3) the equitable sharing of the benefits from genetic resources. Non-indigenous species are addressed in Article 8, where the Convention states that 'signatories should, as far as possible and by appropriate means, prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.’
The Meeting of the Parties in Nagoya (COP10, October 2010) set the goal of identifying invasive non-native species and their spread pathways by 2020, setting priorities for the control and eradication of priority species and taking measures to manage spread pathways, thus avoiding the introduction and establishment of non-native species. At the COP15, the UN Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. Information on invasive non-native species in the context of the CBD is available through the Invasive Alien Species Portal.
2) Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (CBD-COP15)
Document: 2022
Agreed at the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD; 22 December 2022), the UN Global Biodiversity Framework includes four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. Further, the framework has four long-term goals for 2050 related to the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity. With respect to alien species, 'Target 6' aims to eliminate, minimize, reduce and/or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species, preventing the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species, reducing the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50%, by 2030, eradicating or controlling invasive alien species especially in priority sites, such as islands.
3) Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (Bonn Convention; CMS)
Document: 1979
Entry into force: 1983
The Bonn Convention aims to protect migratory terrestrial and marine species and birds throughout their range.
Article III.4c states that Parties undertake to exercise strict control over the introduction of, or the reduction or eradication of, exotic species already introduced which threaten to endanger the target species listed in Annex I (i.e. migratory species in danger of extinction) of the Convention in their territories. Migratory species for which international cooperation is desirable or necessary are listed in Appendix II to the Convention. Exotics that may endanger migratory species listed in CMS Appendix II may be subject to control under the CMS. Article V.5 states that, in accordance with the provisions of Appendix II, the Member States must provide for the 'conservation and, where required and feasible, restoration of the habitats of importance in maintaining a favourable conservation status, and protection of such habitats from disturbances, including strict control of the introduction of, or control of already introduced, exotic species detrimental to the migratory species’.
4) Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES)
Document: 1973
Entry into force: 1975
The CITES Convention regulates trade in endangered animals and plants, as well as products derived from them. The species covered by the Convention are listed in three appendices, depending on the species-specific degree of protection.
Appendix I lists endangered animals and plants that are directly threatened with extinction (e.g. whales, dolphins, certain orchid species, etc.) and for which no trade is allowed. Appendix II contains species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled (CITES permit for import and export) in order to avoid endangering the survival of the species. Appendix III contains all animals and plants that are protected in at least one country and for which bilateral trade agreements exist. Relevant to the issue of non-native species is Article XIV.1b, which allows Parties to adopt national measures restricting or prohibiting trade in, capture, possession or transport of species not listed in the appendix.
5) International Convention for the control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments (BWMC)
Document: 2004
Entry info force: 2017
The BWMC was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2004. The convention aims to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic organisms from one region to another by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments. Therefore, the BWMC requires that all ships within the framework of international navigation manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water and sediment management plan. All ships are also required to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate.
Other relevant international initiatives addressing the role of shipping as a vector for the introduction of non-native species are the ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) working groups on biological invasions and non-native species: the ICES/IOC/IMO Working Group on Ballast and Other Ship Vectors (WGBOSV) and the Working Group on Introduction and Transfers of Marine Organisms (WGITMO). In 2005, ICES published a new version of its 1995 Code of Practice on the Introduction and Transfer of Marine Organisms.
6) United Nations Convention on the law of the sea (UNCLOS)
Document: 1982
Entry info force: 1994
UNCLOS obliges Member States to protect the marine environment in the sea areas under their jurisdiction and to safeguard it from 'significant and harmful changes' caused by the (un)intentional introduction of non-native species. Article 196.1 of the Convention states that: ‘States shall take all measures necessary to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment resulting from the use of technologies under their jurisdiction or control, or the intentional or accidental introduction of species, alien or new, to a particular part of the marine environment, which may cause significant and harmful changes thereto.
7) Convention on the Law of Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses
Document: 1997
Entry info force: 2014
Based on Article 22 of the convention, Watercourse States shall take all measures necessary to prevent the introduction of species, alien or new, into an international watercourse which may have effects detrimental to the ecosystem of the watercourse resulting in significant harm to other watercourse State.
8) Ramsar Convention on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat (Ramsar Conventie)
Document: 1971
Entry info force: 1975
The Ramsar Convention aims at the conservation and rational use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution to sustainable development. The Ramsar Convention identifies invasive species as one of the threats to wetlands.
9) International plant protection Convention (IPPC)
Document: 1951
Entry into force: 1952
The IPCC focuses on phytosanitary agreements, including pests of weeds and their indirect effects. In order to prevent the introduction and/or spread of regulated pests on their territories, the Convention states that Parties may exercise sovereign rights to regulate, in accordance with applicable international agreements, the import of plants and plant products and other items covered by this Convention. In addition to this Convention, mention should also be made of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS, 1994, entry into force 1995). Although this Agreement is not specifically aimed at non-indigenous species, many pests are originally non-indigenous.