Dear colleagues and friends,
Following numerous requests from invasive species experts and practitioners, we decided that it was time, after more than 10 years, to revive the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group’s newsletter. “Aliens” was created in 1995 and over the years published many highly relevant articles. It played a key role in informing the community of invasion biology experts and practitioners about upcoming meetings and events. However, because the costs of publishing and shipping became unsustainable, its publication was suspended in 2013.
The issue you are now reading is the first of a significantly different newsletter. The new “Invasions Newsletter” is no longer solely an ISSG initiative, but rather the product of a collaborative effort involving individuals and organizations worldwide. Each issue will encompass a variety of aspects of invasion science and management, ranging from topics relevant to special interest groups to topics relevant to government agencies.
Much has changed since 2013. Our understanding of the scientific basis of biological invasions has grown significantly. Awareness of the impacts of biological invasions has increased among the communities and decision-makers are more aware of the need to respond to invasion threats. Many states have adopted specific legislation and policies targeted at invasive species. In 2022, the Convention on Biological Diversity of the UN adopted specific legislation within the Global Biodiversity Framework targeted at invasive species. In 2023, the IPBES published a comprehensive report on biological invasions, which provides an up-to-date summary of the trends and patterns of invasions, and of the measures that need to be undertaken to prevent and mitigate these threats.
This first issue of the “Invasions Newsletter” contains articles and information on upcoming meetings and events related to invasive species. To help us make the Newsletter as useful as possible, please inform us of any meeting, conference, workshop, or initiative relevant to invasive species.
We hope you enjoy this revitalized Newsletter and find its content both engaging and insightful!
With best regards,
Ana Novoa, Susan Canavan, Katelyn Faulkner, Piero Genovesi, Deah Lieurance,
Laura A. Meyerson, Dan Simberloff, Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, and Tsungai Zengeya