Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have been recognized as an important threat to biodiversity and, through Article 8(h) of the Convention the Parties are encouraged to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. The Conference of the Parties recognized IAS as a crosscutting issue for the work of the Convention at is fourth meeting, and has adopted a set of Guiding principles for the implementation of article 8(h).

In addition, under the Convention on Biological Diversity, several Decisions on IAS have been adopted touching on different issues, i.e. on strengthening the international framework to address IAS, improving cooperation, management of risks posed by different pathways, additional voluntary guidance, etc. More recently work has focused on supporting Parties on the implementation of Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through the preparation of documents and tools have also been developed in response to requests from the Conference on the Parties.

Additionally, collaboration has been ongoing with the members of the Liaison Group on Invasive Alien Species in order to strengthen international cooperation on IAS.