INVASIVE SPECIES MEETING CONCLUSION, ASCENSION ISLAND

From the St Helena Independent

VOLUME IV, ISSUE 32, 3rd JULY 2009

MEDIA RELEASE – 1 July 2009

On Tuesday 19 May, the EU-funded South Atlantic Invasive Species (SAIS) Project concluded its regional workshop on Ascension Island. The meeting brought together environmental, agricultural, pest control and conservation staff from the South Atlantic UK Overseas Territories, as well as experts in invasive species law and policy from the UK, Europeand New Zealand. This meeting was the first time that such a mixed group of people from the South Atlantic region (dubbed “the Forgotten Islands of the South Atlantic” or the “new Galapagos” by attendees) had come together to discuss regional strategy. Despite having some of the world’s most precious assets in their native plants and animals (e.g. the Ascension Island Pteris fern, St Helena gumwoods, South Georgia pipit, Tristan albatross, and Cobb’s wren), these treasures arelittle known outside the region, and therefore often overlookedwhen assessments of global conservation priorities are made. In addition, as the region has a total population of less than 10,000 people, it is difficult to make the region’s voice heard at international meetings.

During the workshop, participants contributed their suggestions for elements to make up a Regional Strategy for Invasive Species. It is hoped that this document will be useful to draw attention to the serious impacts (to biodiversity, as well as local economies and livelihoods) caused by invasive species in the South Atlantic region, and to access more funding to deal with these impacts in the future.Clare Stringer, RSPB’s South Atlantic Project Manager said the meeting had been a success: “It was wonderful to see people representing all of the South Atlantic UK Overseas Territories discussing what they had in common. There arealready ideas for exchanges of personnel and sharing of experiences and skills throughout the region – this will help build the critical mass that is needed to deal with the invasive species issue, and raise visibility inside and outsidethe region.” A draft Regional Invasive Species Strategy should be available for comment by July, with an official launch expected in November 2009.

For more information – contact Clare Stringer clare.stringer@rspb.org.uk

Andrew Darlow adarlow.sais@cwimail.sh

Brian Summers bsummers.sais@horizon.co.fk

or Brad Robson brad.robson01@googlemail.com