Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
16.1 Introduction
Modern methods of travel, trade and communication have allowed an enormous
increase in the movement of people, commodities and conveyances over the past
century and this is still accelerating. This has resulted in a higher risk of introduc-
tion and spread of organisms harmful to plants and plant products, including inva-
sive alien species. Trade in agricultural products provides a clear economic benefit
but prevention of introduction of pests with trade is recognized as an important tar-
get for countries. In this respect, the International Plant Protection Convention
(IPPC) (FAO 1997) has been the major agreement for countries that trade in agri-
cultural, horticultural and forestry products. The Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, http://www.cbd.int/default.shtml.
Accessed on 1 February 2008) has responsibility for global policies on invasive
alien species, but has recognized the role of the IPPC in this sector. In the frame-
work of the IPPC, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization
(EPPO) has recently developed a work programme specifically addressing invasive
alien plants, as part of its ongoing programme on quarantine pests.
Invasive alien plants may be introduced intentionally with trade (80% of current
invasive alien plants in Europe were introduced as ornamental or agricultural
plants; Hulme 2007) or unintentionally (as contaminants of grain, seeds, soil,
machinery, etc., or with travellers). Preventing the introduction of invasive alien
plants is considered more cost-effective, from both environmental and economic
points of view, than managing them after introduction. Pest risk analysis (PRA)
standards have been developed by IPPC and EPPO to allow assessment of the
phytosanitary risk presented by invasive alien plants, and the development of
appropriate measures to prevent their introduction and spread. These measures
may in turn have an impact on international trade, and the obligations arising from
trade agreements have also to be taken into account when phytosanitary measures
are established.
This article gives an overview of the international framework for regulation of
invasive alien plants under the IPPC. It then presents the approach followed by
EPPO for the evaluation and management of risks presented by such plants. Terms
used are defined in the Glossary of phytosanitary terms (IPPC 2007c).
16.2 International Context
16.2.1
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTO was established in January 1995 and deals with the rules of trade between
nations at a global or near-global level. It is a negotiation forum for 150 member
countries. It results from the 1986 to 1994 negotiations called the Uruguay Round and
earlier negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
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