Invasive Alien Species

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that provides information and applies scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Its compendium, including the Invasive Species Compendium bring together data and research on species, pests and diseases across agriculture, aquaculture and livestock production, and the environment.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an intergovernmental agreement aimed to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. Parties to CITES have recognized trade as one of the potential causes of introduction of invasive alien species and requested enhanced cooperation between CITES and the CBD on the issue of introductions of alien species that are potentially invasive

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Leads international efforts to defeat hunger, achieve food security and reduce poverty. FAO works on agriculture, forestry and fisheries among others. Currently they are promoting sustainable fisheries and highlighting the impacts of IAS across different sectors.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established to regulate all aspects of international civil aviation. ICAO has recognized the significance of civil aviation as a pathway for the introduction of invasive species and urged all member states to use national civil aviation authorities to assist in reducing the risk of introducing potentially invasive species to areas outside their natural range.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) oversees and supports the implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments which aims to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an intergovernmental treaty aiming to protecting the world's plant resources from the spread and introduction of pests and promoting safe trade. It is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) which adopts International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) that contribute to the international regulatory framework on invasive species.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organizations. It provides knowledge and tools towards nature conservation. Its Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the IUCN. The ISSG promotes and facilitates the exchange of alien and invasive species knowledge across the globe and ensures the linkage between knowledge, practice and policy, so that decision making is informed.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the global authority on animal health. It is an intergovernmental organization, focused on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally and thus build a safer, healthier and more sustainable world. Its Health Codes provide standards for the improvement of animal health and welfare and veterinary public health worldwide, including through standards for safe international trade in terrestrial and aquatic animals and their products. The manuals provide a standardized approach to the diagnosis of the diseases listed in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Codes.

The World Customs Organization (WCOOMD) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations. As the global center of customs expertise, the WCOOMD is the only international organization with competence in customs matters and can rightly call itself the voice of the international Customs community.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. It operates a global system of trade rules, it acts as a forum for negotiating trade agreements, it settles trade disputes between its members and it supports the needs of developing countries. As one of the main pathways of introduction and spread of IAS is trade, WTO is a critical partner in supporting parties to implement measures to avoid unwanted movements of organisms through the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) is a global partnership to facilitate safe trade, contributing to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and food security. It promotes improved food safety, animal and plant health capacity in developing countries and provides funding for projects.