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
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News Release