4 April 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has circulated the draft report of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on addressing the risks associated with introduction of alien species as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, and as live bait and live food. The AHTEG met from 16-18 February 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The draft includes reports from relevant conventions and organizations, including the second Inter-agency Liaison Group meeting on invasive alien species (14-15 February 2011, Geneva, Switzerland), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The report also includes: an overview of key concepts and terms; an overview of databases and networks on invasive alien species (IAS); and main discussions and conclusions, per the AHTEG’s terms of reference. It also includes a set of recommendations to the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). The final report will be made available to the SBSTTA for its 15th meeting, convening from 7-11 November 2011.

Comments on the draft should be submitted to the CBD Secretariat by 25 April 2011. [CBD Notification] [AHTEG Draft Report]