Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
export-oriented certification programmes) has been established to achieve the tasks
of phytosanitary authorities (Lopian 2005).
As explained before, IPPC is recognized as the standard-setting organization for
phytosanitary measures and is developing ISPMs. So far, 29 ISPMs have been
adopted, of which 3 are of particular interest for risk analysis:
●
ISPMno.1
Phytosanitary principles for the protection of plants and the applica-
tion of phytosanitary measures in international trade
. (IPPC 2007a)
●
ISPM no. 2
Framework for pest risk analysis
. (IPPC 2007b)
●
ISPM no. 11
Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of envi-
ronmental risks and living modified organisms
. (IPPC 2007d)
At one time, the IPPC was interpreted as referring mainly to the protection of culti-
vated plants, but in 1999 the CPM recognized that it always had a wider scope,
extending to wild plants and the environment. Major changes were made to two
ISPMs in consequence. Firstly, a supplement (no. 2) was added to the
Glossary of
phytosanitary terms
, providing “
Guidelines on the understanding of potential eco-
nomic importance and related terms including reference to environmental consid-
erations
”. This made it clear that “potential economic importance” (as referred to
in the IPPC definition of a quarantine pest) can include environmental concerns.
Thus, the scope of the IPPC covers the protection not only of cultivated plants in
agriculture (including horticulture and forestry), but also of uncultivated/unman-
aged plants, wild flora, habitats and ecosystems. Secondly, extensive changes were
made to ISPM no. 11 on
Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests
. This standard
describes the integrated processes to be used for the assessment of risks presented
by plant pests, as well as the selection of risk management options. The concerns
for the environment originally concerned only the side effects on the environment
of pests mainly affecting cultivated plants. This was now extended to any organisms
having harmful effects on plants in the environment, whether or not they affect cul-
tivated plants. The analysis of risks to the environment and biological diversity,
including risks affecting uncultivated/unmanaged plants, wild flora, habitats and
ecosystems contained in the PRA area, was set out in greater detail and, most
importantly for the present purpose, invasive alien plants were recognized as an
important hazard for the environment. As a result, invasive alien plants can now be
the subject of PRA under the IPPC.
16.2.3 CBD
In June 1992, the United Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)
known as the “Earth Summit” was held in Rio de Janeiro. One of the main results of
this summit was the signature of the CBD, which aims at the conservation and sustain-
able use of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
out of the utilization of genetic resources. To date, it has been signed by 150 govern-
ments, including those of all the European countries. More information is available at
