MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Atlantic islands preparing invasive species strategy

A strong voice to defend the “new Galapagos” bio diversity; Ascension Island’s Pteris fern

A regional strategy for invasive species in the South Atlantic should be ready towards the end of the year, following the conclusion of the regional workshop on Ascension Island.

The EU funded South Atlantic Invasive Species (SAIS) Project concluded its regional workshop on Ascension Island 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, Europe and New Zealand.

This meeting was the first time that such a mixed group of people from the South Atlantic region (dubbed “the Forgotten Jewels” 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 gumwood, South Georgia pipit, Tristan albatross, and Cobb’s wren), these treasures are little known outside the region, and therefore often overlooked when 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 are already 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 outside the region.”

A draft Regional Invasive Species Strategy should be available for comment by July, with an official launch expected in November 2009.