The Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for ... - Defra

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Prevention
6.5 It is critical that the legislation exists to underpin whatever preventative measures are
necessary. As EU Member States work towards implementing national invasive species
strategies by 2010, it may be necessary to consider measures that will need to be integrated
and compliant with rules on free movement of people and goods. EU Members States are
bound by Articles 28 and 29 of the EC Treaty, which prohibit restrictions on imports and
exports between Member States. However, there are some exceptions allowed by Article 30
of the EC Treaty; these include restrictions that protect the life and health of humans, animals
and plants, and may therefore be applicable to certain invasive non-native species.
6.6 While the World Trade Organisation (WTO) tries to ensure through the WTO Agreement on
Technical Barriers to Trade and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement that unnecessary
obstacles to free trade are prevented, they do recognise a country’s right to prevent trade
where it may affect human, animal or plant life or health. It is worth noting that proportionate
measures will often prevent damage to trade and economic interests in addition to that of
safeguarding biodiversity. Trade and movement issues will be discussed between Member
States and the European Commission in the context of developing an EU Strategy.
Objective
To minimise the risk of invasive non-native species entering and becoming established in GB,
and reduce the risks associated with the movement of species outside their natural range
within GB.
Key actions
We will:
Key Action 6.1
increase awareness of the importance of the ‘preventative approach’ in addressing the threats
posed by invasive non-native species;
Key Action 6.2
promote better access to information about invasive non-native species – especially for sectors
and interest groups involved in key pathways;
Key Action 6.3
develop a robust risk assessment process for use on species, pathways and habitats;
Key Action 6.4
charge the Risk Analysis Panel with applying the risk assessment process to identify the
pathways that present the highest risks for entry of non-native species into GB, and to
undertake a horizon scanning function;
Key Action 6.5
through the use of working groups or lead bodies draw up action plans (where necessary) for
specific pathways (Pathway Action Plans – PAPs) to minimise the risks associated with them;
Key Action 6.6
use the risk assessment process to identify the highest impact species that are most likely to
enter and establish themselves in GB (for example produce high, medium and low risk list);