When non-native species become invasive they can transform ecosystems, and threaten native and endangered species. All terrestrial and marine natural and semi-natural habitats are affected. Invasive non-native species also damage economic interests, such as agriculture, forestry and infrastructure, and can threaten public health. Thus the problems caused by invasive non-native species are serious; so serious that the introduction of invasive non-native species is identified as one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. This includes the loss of the distinctive local biodiversity that makes each area special. With increasing global trade and world travel, these problems are likely to continue to grow.

 

The United Kingdom has international obligations to address invasive non-native species issues, principally the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the Bern Convention on Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats and the EC Habitats Directive. The sixth CBD Conference adopted a series of Guiding Principles for States to take into account in when developing their policies. Defra set up a Review Group in March 2001 to review policy and legislation on non-native species throughout Great Britain1. This is the report and recommendations of that Group. The CBD Guiding Principles have been taken into account in this report and are reflected in its recommendations.