Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Strong support received for the GB strategy to tackle invasive non-native species

Strong support received for the GB strategy to tackle invasive non-native species

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (01/08) issued by The Government News Network on 4 January 2008

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government and the Welsh Assembly Government today welcomed the strong support received for the draft strategy to tackle invasive non-native species in Great Britain.

Non-native species that become invasive are considered the second greatest threat to wildlife worldwide. The joint government's response concludes the consultation process on the draft Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain, in preparation for a final strategy to be produced in Spring 2008.

Ninety two per cent of responses to the consultation supported the strategic approach set out in the draft strategy, and over ninety per cent were supportive of each of the strategy's key delivery sections. Ninety eight per cent of respondents also agreed that to succeed, the strategy needs a joint approach with a wide range of bodies and interests.

The strategy will take a balanced approach to tackling the introduction of these damaging species and their effects on the environment. Measures are proposed across a number of key areas including:

* awareness raising to help prevent unwanted introductions of non-native species;
* detecting problems early and tackling them quickly;
* using good research to underpin management; and
* making appropriate use of legislative powers.

Commenting on the response, Joan Ruddock Minister for Climate Change and Biodiversity said:

"Achieving better protection for our valuable natural heritage from invasive non-native species needs co-operation from a wide range of partners, and the support shown for the approach set out in the draft strategy is highly encouraging. I welcome all the responses to the consultation which are invaluable in helping us to finalise the strategy."

Michael Russell, Environment Minister for the Scottish Government said:

"Scotland has become home to a number of invasive non-native species and it is vital that work is done on how we counter the threat they pose.

"The responses to the consultation strengthen our position and we are now almost in a position to take this work forward."

Jane Davidson, Environment Minister for the Welsh Assembly Government said:

"Managing the control of invasive non-native species is key to conserving our native flora and fauna, and contributes towards our goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. It is important that we have the appropriate systems in place to react quickly to incidents as they arise and we must do all we can to ensure that the wider environment is capable of supporting our native habitats and species biodiversity."

Responses to the consultation also raised interesting points for consideration in finalising the strategy. These include general support for the monitoring and surveillance of non-native species driven here by the influence of climate change and which might pose a risk. Whilst targeted or localised control of these species might be justified in some cases, there was also a general agreement that efforts to completely exclude or eradicate such species would not always be effective. Nearly a third of respondents felt that these species should not be included in the strategy's scope because such colonisation by non-native species would be a continuous process involving species that might form part of our future biodiversity.

Notes to editors:

1. The consultation on the draft Strategy was conducted between 28 February and 23 May 2007 by the GB Non-native Species Secretariat http://www.nonnativespecies.org/07_Public_Consultations.cfm

2. The Strategy was developed by a working group established by the GB Invasive Non-Native Species Programme Board. The Board is made up of the GB Administrations and other key governmental bodies. For more information go to: http://www.nonnativespecies.org

3. The full detailed analysis of the responses to the consultation on the draft GB Strategy can be found at: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/documents/Summary%20of%20Responses.pdf

4. Responses to the consultation will be available as follows:
In England, via the Defra library.
Tel: 0207 238 6575 or e-mail: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk or
In Scotland, the Scottish Executive Library.
Tel: 0131 244 4552 or email: SElibrary@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government Publication Centre.
Tel: 02920 823683 or email: assembly-publications@wales.gsi.gov.uk

5. Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government are currently consulting on proposals to amend schedule nine of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on the deliberate release of invasive non-native species and to ban the sale of certain invasive non-native species.

6. For further information on invasive non-native issues go to http://defraweb/wildlife-countryside/non-native/index.htm


Press enquiries 020 7238 6140; Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Out of Hours: 020 7270 8960
Press notices are available on our website
http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/
Once on the GNN website see Sign up

Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website http://www.defra.gov.uk

News Release

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story