Cross-cutting Networks
Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP)
The invasive species challenge
Invasive alien species
(IAS) are non-native organisms that
cause, or have the potential to cause, harm to the environment,
economies,
or human health. They are one of the most significant drivers
of environmental change worldwide, contributing to social instability
and economic hardship, and placing constraints on sustainable
development, economic growth, and environmental conservation.
Globalization
of trade, travel, and transport, is greatly increasing the
number and diversity of harmful organisms being moved around
the world, as well as the rate at which they are moving. At
the same time, human-driven changes in land use and climate are
rendering
some habitats more susceptible to invasion. IAS are thus a
growing problem that will have to be managed in perpetuity.
Dr Mark Lonsdale,
Assistant Chief of CSIRO Entomology
Former Chairperson, Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP)
www.gisp.org

© M. Girondot
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© J. Jeffrey
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© R. Mack
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DIVERSITAS’ Response
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GISP was established in 1997 to address
global threats caused by invasive alien species (IAS), and to
provide support to
the implementation of Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
The GISP mission is to conserve biodiversity and sustain human
livelihoods by minimising the spread and impact of invasive alien
species. To this end, GISP seeks to:
- improve the scientific basis for decision-making
on invasive species
- develop capacities to employ early warning
and rapid assessment and response systems
- enhance the ability
to manage invasive species
- reduce the economic impacts of invasive
species and control methods
- develop better risk assessment
methods, and
- strengthen international agreements.
In addition, GISP strives
to
- develop public education about invasive species
- improve understanding
of the ecology of invasive species
- examine legal and institutional
frameworks for controlling invasive species
- develop new codes
of conduct for the movement of species, and
- design new tools
for quantifying the impact of invasive species.
Publications |
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South America Invaded: the growing danger of invasive alien species (2006)
This publication contains a general overview of some of the worst invasive alien species in South America including trees, shrubs, grasses, animals, aquatic invaders and insect pests as well as South American species which have become invasive on other continents. For more information, visit the GISP website http://www.gisp.org.
Click here for the pdf version of GISP newsletter.
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