IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

The ISSG is a network of global species on IAS. It facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge on IAS across the world and promotes linkages between knowledge, practice and policy to inform decision-making. The two core activity areas of the ISSG are policy and technical advice, and information exchange through online resources and tools and networking. ISSG is currently working with partners on a global initiative, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS) (site is under development), which is aimed at developing national-level validated, and annotated inventories of IAS. ISSG is also working with partners on to develop a prototype online resource IAS pathway management – the Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource. It will include information on IAS pathways and legal information related to the management of specific pathways.

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Revitalization of water and wet habitats in SRP Obedska bara

The project idea of was to revitalize and manage the wetland habitats in the Special Nature Reserve “Obedska bara” by implementing a nature-based Solution (NbS), namely through extensive grazing by a herd of water buffalo.  Managed by a local farmer, and in cooperation with the protected area manager (Public Enterprise Vojvodinašume) and the BirdLife partner (Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia), the problem posed by overgrown vegetation and reduced water flow was greatly reduced.

The main goal of the project was to clear up 25 ha of overgrown wet meadows, ponds, and forest edges by grazing water buffalo and to remove invasive plant species, creating “open water mirrors” and attracting more birds to reside in the area. The project also conducted activities to strengthen and raise the awareness of the local community about the importance of preserving wetland habitats.

Integrated river restoration and community stewardship to protect the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin

This Solution applies integrated river restoration and community stewardship to reduce key threats to the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin in the Huis River, South Africa. It combines invasive alien plant clearing, targeted riparian restoration, water-saving measures and community awareness to improve habitat quality and river resilience.

The approach addresses habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, water pressure and limited local awareness. By restoring riparian structure and coordinating action through a multi-agency Tradouw Redfin Working Group, the project improved river health indicators, restored critical habitat and strengthened long-term protection for the species through a formal Species Action Plan.

Integrated river restoration and community stewardship to protect the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin

This Solution applies integrated river restoration and community stewardship to reduce key threats to the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin in the Huis River, South Africa. It combines invasive alien plant clearing, targeted riparian restoration, water-saving measures and community awareness to improve habitat quality and river resilience.

The approach addresses habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, water pressure and limited local awareness. By restoring riparian structure and coordinating action through a multi-agency Tradouw Redfin Working Group, the project improved river health indicators, restored critical habitat and strengthened long-term protection for the species through a formal Species Action Plan.

Grasshopper Project Management Tool for Invasive Species Management

In 1995, South Africa launched one of its most progressive job creation initiatives: the Working for Water programme. It focused on protecting ecosystems by removing invasive vegetation from mountain catchment areas while creating jobs and reducing poverty in vulnerable communities. The programme has since created thousands of jobs and supported families across diverse landscapes. However, a key challenge has been the limited transfer of business, finance, and technology skills to participants. The Grasshopper Tool—a web and mobile application—helps address this by enabling contractors to manage projects, field teams, tools, and equipment. It also allows them to generate quotes and invoices for ongoing and new work opportunities, reducing reliance on paper. Additionally, the tool is also meant to support conservation agencies in managing large teams and projects efficiently.

Transboundary cooperation for the removal of an invasive river plant

Eradication of the neophyte Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was a successful joint project of two bordering national parks Thayatal (AT) and Podyjí (CZ) that led to a significant decrease of Himalayan balsam plants in the river valley and return of native plants. The most important success factors were the common approach to river valley management, access to both river banks by Czech staff, change in management of river valley meadows, and ongoing joint monitoring in the river valley.

Strategy for the control of invasive lionfish

The invasion and proliferation of lionfish threatens biodiversity in the Wider Caribbean Region. A strategic plan for their control provides a framework to address the invasion with a concerted approach across political and geographical boundaries. Cooperation is promoted among governments, reef-reliant industries, civil society and academia. A transboundary research and monitoring agenda is coupled with local action plans, information campaigns and the adaptation of policy guidelines.

Supporting UNCCD Parties to embrace gender equality and women’s empowerment as a guiding principle in LDN projects

In 2018 and 2019, IUCN with UN Women and the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) facilitated gender mainstreaming workshops in the Caribbean, the Philippines and Zambia to support development of gender-responsive Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) projects. These workshops, as part of the “Anchoring agreements on gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Rio Conventions” project, aimed to meet the specific needs of Parties toward meeting implementation of the UNCCD Gender Action Plan and national LDN targets. The workshops utilised a unique, participatory methodology, bringing together stakeholders from national and local governments, CSOs, women’s groups, and more, to gain a better understanding of gender considerations in LDN specifically, and in the project cycle in general. These workshops complemented a help desk mechanism that provided tailored feedback to nine LDN project proposals made to major funding mechanisms. 

Building a market for invasive lionfish control

The Indo-Pacific lionfish is a major threat to Caribbean reefs. Blue Ventures is pioneering efforts to build Belize’s lionfish fishery, creating an economic incentive for the sustained removal of this invasive species while providing an alternative target for fishers and promoting associated cottage industries, reducing dependency on traditionally targeted fisheries. This effort is supported by an integrated lionfish control strategy, which helps to avoid unintended outcomes, and also details alternative targeted removal methods for sites where fishing is not permitted or practical.

Reductions of IAS impacts in Montecristo Island – Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Italy)

Montecristo Island, nature reserve in the Tuscan Archipelago NP, hosts a relevant population of breeding Yelkouan Shearwaters, Puffinus yelkouan. The main local threat that had been identified was rat predation. Black rats, Rattus rattus, were also believed to affect negatively rejuvenation of plant communities in particular the holm oak stands. Project Life08 NAT/IT/353 Montecristo 2010 included a large action of rat eradication carried out in winter 2011/12. Activities started in 2010 with preliminary tests and protocol definition for toxic bait amounts and delivery. The latter rodenticide distribution took place from helicopter, except in a 25 ha area treated by bait stations. In the following breeding season, 2-6 months after bait delivery, positive consequences were already observed, such as a shearwater maximum productivity recorded for 95% of pairs, and from next autumn no impact was observed on oak seeds. After prolonged monitoring, the island was declared rat free in 2016.

Using a participatory and experiential learning approach to incentivize and increase the adoption of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures in Eastern Uganda

Sanzara parish is located in the lower region of Kapchorwa district, bordering the dry Karamoja region. The parish lies in the rain shadow of Mt. Elgon, exposing it to both prolonged drought and increased flooding due to changing precipitation patterns. These conditions, coupled with a growing population, have affected the agricultural potential of the area, causing chronic food insecurity and abject poverty. In many cases, communities struggle for basic survival, as demonstrated by the high rate of ecosystem degradation and the slow uptake of ecosystem restoration interventions. This solution is about incentivizing adoption of EbA measures in Sanzara Parish. It is based on a case study from the Flagship Mountain EbA project, which was implemented on Mt. Elgon from 2011 to 2015. Lessons from this project are the basis for work done under the follow-on project, “Scaling up Mountain EbA project; building evidence, replication of success and informing policy” within the same landscape.

Biofouling management for recreational boating (2022)

The report Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating: Recommendations for improved biosecurity to prevent the introduction and spread of Invasive Aquatic Species was written by William Jonathan Michael Yonge, Senior Consultant, Earth to Ocean, with contributions, editorial review, comments and inputs from Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General and Julian Hunter, Head of Sustainability, ICOMIA; Kevin Smith, Senior Programme Officer Biodiversity Data Impact and Influence, IUCN; Dan Reading, former Head of Sustainability and Alexandra Rickham, Head of Sustainability, World Sailing; Lilia Khodjet El Khil, Project Technical Manager; John Alonso, Project Technical Analyst, GloFouling Partnerships Project, the Department of Partnerships and Projects, IMO; and Teo Karayannis, Head of Marine Biosafety, Marine Environment Division, IMO. Great thanks are also due to Violeta Luque, Senior Project Assistant; and Jurga Shaule, Project Assistant, GloFouling Partnerships project, the Department of Partnerships and Projects, IMO, who provided coordination and editing support to produce this report.

Manual for the management of vertebrate invasive alien species of Union concern, incorporating animal welfare (2022)

Invasive alien species (IAS) have been identified as one of the most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss and change in ecosystem services. Several strategies have been developed and implemented (e.g. eradication, control, containment) yet prevention is unanimously acknowledged as the best available management option.

Guidelines and codes of conduct were developed to build awareness among the relevant professional sectors, prevent introduction of new IAS, the spread of those already established, and their ethical management.

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