A report on the symposium of “Open Dialog Towards Science Based Governance of Invasive Species Management” and the round table of “Public Awareness and Involvement for Invasive Species Management”

Abstract

We held an invasive species management symposium and a roundtable supported by the Ministry of the Environment of the Government of Japan in the International Wildlife Management Conference (IWMC2015) on July 28th, 2015 at the mid-term towards the targeted year 2020 of Aichi Biodiversity Target 9. In the symposium, we had two talks presenting international perspectives on patterns and trends of biological invasions in prioritizing pathways and species to improve prevention and enhance effective mitigation of impacts, and on international regulatory frameworks on invasive alien species, pests and diseases. From the Japan side, a talk on addressing invasive alien species in Japan, including progress and challenges, and another talk on towards achievement of Aichi Biodiversity Target 9: Measures to address invasive alien species in Japan, were presented. We discussed that a collaborative approach of the wider stakeholders, including governments and scientists, should be further enhanced under the different circumstances of countries to address the growing issue of invasive alien species and on the importance of public awareness for the Aichi Biodiversity Target 9.