The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) and our Chapter, the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) have been invited to take part in the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15), in Montreal, December 7th-December 19th, 2022 as a part of the Canadian Delegation. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an opportunity to take part in a critical conversation, one that includes helping to set global targets for invasive species management.
Invasive species are a recognized direct driver of biodiversity loss globally. CCIS Chair, Gail Wallin, describes the Montreal meetings as especially urgent in the face of climate change. “The threat of invasive species increases with climate change. Ecosystems that are biodiverse are more resilient in extreme weather events, whereas high concentrations of invasive species, like scotch broom with its high oil content, increase wildfire risk. Preventing their introduction and spread is critical to protecting biodiversity on a global scale. The international community recognizes invasive species as a key issue and target at COP15”. CBD Target 6 is specifically aimed at managing pathways – or the ways invasive species are introduced, as well as preventing, or reducing their rate of introduction, and controlling or eradicating invasive species to eliminate or reduce their impacts, all with a focus on priority species and priority sites.
CCIS and ISCBC aim to build on our strengths as collaborators and partners as they join governments and non-government organizations and delegates from around the world to set new goals and create a new plan to guide global action on biodiversity through 2030.
“All-Hands-On-Deck” Panel Discussion Event
In addition to our role in the Canadian Delegation, CCIS is excited to share we will be hosting an event within the Canada Pavilion on Thursday December 8th at 10:30 am EST. This interactive panel discussion titled, “All-Hands-On-Deck”, will build on CCIS’ work to further multi-stakeholder and -rightsholder collaboration, and will examine the myriad of jurisdictional and land management interfaces that can be barriers to multi-party invasive species efforts. Perspectives from Indigenous rightsholders and land managers driving multi-party stewardship initiatives in Canada, will identify governance, relationship and management practices to enable collaborative solutions. Participants will walk away from this event recognizing the integral role of IAS in meeting post-COP biodiversity conservation, climate change, and mitigation targets; and with new models for building effective multi-party land management collaborations with Indigenous Peoples.
Stay tuned for follow up insights from this exciting event!
