Non-native species: UK policy and action
- Legal framework and guidance
- UK policy and action
- Government administrations and their responsibilities for non-native species issues
“Invasive alien species were identified in the 6th EAP [Environmental Action Plan] as a priority for action. While support has been given to some localised eradication programmes via LIFE funding, the Community has still to develop a comprehensive strategy to address this issue. Work has now begun on this.” “HALTING THE LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY BY 2010 — AND BEYOND (Sustaining ecosystem services for human well–being)”, European Commission Communication COM(2006) 216 final. |
Within the UK, the Government committed to undertake a fundamental review of policy and practice in relation to invasive non-native (or "alien") species in response to the Rural White Paper Our Countryside: The Future - A Fair Deal For Rural England. It established a working group comprising relevant sectors and interests including Government Departments, the Devolved Administrations, the statutory nature conservation agencies, conservation and animal welfare NGOs and the trade sector. In March 2003 the Review of Non-native Species Policy was published, listing key recommendations for government to pursue. A public consultation on the Government Response to the Review took place December 2003 - March 2004 in liaison with the devolved administrations.
The Government also consulted on the review of Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as it applies to England and Wales, from December 2004 to March 2005.
In 2005, the Government published its rural manifesto “Rural communities, forward not back” and reaffirmed its commitment to address invasive non-native species. In the manifesto, the Government stated that it will take coordinated action to tackle the threat to our biodiversity and the environment posed by invasive non-native species.
The Great Britain Non-native Species mechanism
One of the key recommendations of the Defra Non-Native Species Review was that there was a need for a single co-ordinating body. This has been implemented by the creation of the GB Non-native Species mechanism that is made up of the Programme Board and its Secretariat in conjunction with a Risk Analysis Panel (RAP), a Stakeholder Sounding Board (SSB), the Stakeholder Forum and the creation of working groups as necessary. The importance of stakeholder involvement will be reflected in the use of working groups, the Sounding Board and the annual Stakeholder Forum.
Update on Recent Action
Defra, the Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly Government launched the Invasive non-native species framework strategy for Great Britain on 28th May 2008. The Strategy is intended to provide a strategic framework within which the actions of government departments, their related bodies and key stakeholders can be better co-ordinated. Its overall aim is to minimise the risks posed, and reduce the negative impacts caused, by invasive non-native species in Great Britain. This strategy was produced by a working group of key stakeholders from industry, Non Governmental Organisations and government. The strategy underwent a public consultation in 2007 and for the final version, click either on the web link above or the strategy document image.
-
Importing non-native animals – what you need to know leaflet
In January, we published this new leaflet, for anyone planning to import, keep or release non-native animals, setting out the law and guidance you need to consider before you do so. -
Risk analysis
The GB NNS Risk Assessment methodology has been developed to provide the Programme Board with robust risk-based evidence to underpin its decision making, focusing its efforts to minimise the risk and negative impacts of invasive non-native species in Great Britain. Specific risk assessments are carried out by individual external experts and peer reviewed by the Non-native Species Risk Analysis Panel. The NNRAP is a core group of risk assessment experts who provide advice on risk associated with non-native species and provide management advice to the Programme Board. Non-native Species Codes of Practice
As yet, no Codes of Practice have been issued or approved under Section 14ZB of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. However, we will seek Ministerial approval for the Companion Animal code of practice, which is currently being developed for anyone involved in activities around keeping non-native companion animals, and the Horticultural code of practice, which was published in 2005.Eradication projects
The Ludwigia and Ruddy duck eradication projects are discussed under Examples of invasive species.
Page last modified:
03 June 2008
Page published: 26 May 2005