International Frameworks on Biosecurity and Biodiversity Conservation

Generally, risk analysis involves methodically collecting, appraising, documenting, and then distributing data with a view to formulating proposals for dealing with recognized risks (Black and Kireeva 2009).

In performing such analysis, under both the International Plant Protection Convention (“IPPC”) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (“OIE”), the specific risk should be pinpointed; one should seek to approximate the likelihood, effects, and unpredictability of the risk eventuating; and actions should be also taken to minimize or eradicate the risk, and to engage in dialogue and informational exchange (Black and Kireeva 2009).

Biosecurity risk analysis is particularly important in signatories’ performance of their obligations under the IPPC, given that the IPPC does not explicitly list all plant pests but instead sets out requirements for phytosanitary procedures against such species, i.e. International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) (Black and Kireeva 2009). ISPMs prescribe the steps that must be taken in establishing phytosanitary procedures (Black and Kireeva 2009).

The pest risk analysis (PRA) framework under the ISPMs require consideration of the threats posed by plant pests to in terms of environmental impacts and biodiversity, such as potential repercussions on “uncultivated/unmanaged plants, wild flora, habitats and ecosystems contained in the PRA area”, as well as “potential phytosanitary risks to plants and plant products posed by living modified organisms” (Black and Kireeva 2009:83).

Deliberate introductions of alien species into new habitats may be effected for multiple purposes including food, agriculture, companionship, hunting, for their skins or furs or other economic functions, or to manage the populations of other species, and aesthetic or decorative reasons (Black and Kireeva 2009).

A risk analysis could prevent or reduce negative consequences from the introduction of alien species into a biodiverse area. The greatest element of unpredictability in the translocation of alien species is the uncertainty of whether the species will change its characteristics and behaviour after entering the new habitat, and risk analysis plays an important role in determining that level of unpredictability (Black and Kireeva 2009).

Systematic and detailed risk analyses, based on empirical criteria, could also help to bridge the residual philosophical gap between, respectively:

• the precautionary outlook under the Convention on Biological Diversity;

• the greater autonomy afforded to Members under World Trade Organization’s Agreement on The Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures; and

• the 'prior-informed consent' approach described in the Cartegena Protocol.

References:-

• Black, R. and Kireeva, I. (2009). ‘International biosecurity frameworks to protect biodiversity with emphasis on science and risk assessment’, in Lockie, S. and D. Carpenter (eds.) Agriculture, biodiversity and markets: Livelihoods and agroecology in comparative perspective. (London: Taylor and Francis Group, 2009).