Fourth (additional) meeting to advance the summary for policymakers (SPM) of the IPBES assessment of invasive alien species and their control

From October 24 to 27, 2022, the IPBES technical support unit for the assessment of invasive alien species (TSU-IAS) convened a fourth (additional) meeting to advance the summary for policymakers (SPM) for the assessment of invasive alien species in Santiago, Chile, in a hybrid setting. The venue was generously supported by the University of Concepción and the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB).

The IPBES Global Assessment Report identifies invasive alien species as one of the five main direct drivers of biodiversity loss at the global level. Approximately 90 experts from more than 40 countries were carefully selected to represent all regions and expertise, and they participated in assessing the current status and trends of invasive alien species, as well as their impacts. They also provided policy-relevant options for promoting effective invasive alien species management and adaptation strategies.

The first author meeting was held in Tsukuba, Japan, in August 2019, and the second author meeting was held online in December 2020. The third author meeting was held in Aarhus, Denmark (hybrid on/offline event) in April 2022, and the additional review of the SPM by national governments took place from July 20 to September 15, 2022.

During the four-day hybrid meeting in Santiago, the group of experts discussed and addressed comments from the additional review, developed final drafts of the chapters and the SPM, reached an agreement concerning responsibilities, and drafted a timeline of activities for the production of the report. Building on the outcomes of the meeting, the expert group will further develop the final drafts of the chapters and SPM in the coming months. The final drafts will be submitted at the 10th session of the IPBES Plenary for consideration by representatives from nearly 140 member states.

IGES is hosting the TSU-IAS at the Tokyo Sustainable Forum with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.