Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty

Resolution 4 (2016) - ATCM XXXIX - CEP XIX, Santiago

  • Subject

    Non-native Species Manual

  • Status

    Adopted 01/06/2016. No longer current: R 2 (2026)

  • Category

    Fauna and flora
    Environmental protection

  • Topics

    - Alien species
    - Guidelines

  • Attachments

  • Relevant Final Report paragraph

    84

  • Memo

    Latest update of the Manual: paragraph 193 CEP XXII Report (2019)

Non-native Species Manual

The Representatives,
Conscious that the increasing introduction of non-native species to the Antarctic region, including the movement of species between locations in the region, is presenting a serious risk to biodiversity and to the intrinsic values of Antarctica;
Recognising the enhanced potential for non-native species introduction and establishment with a changing Antarctic climate;
Recalling that the overall objective for Parties’ actions to address risks posed by non-native species is to protect Antarctic biodiversity and intrinsic values by preventing the unintended introduction to the Antarctic region of species not native to that region, and the movement of species within Antarctica from one biogeographic zone to any other;
Noting that under Resolution 6 (2011) the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (“ATCM”) agreed to disseminate and encourage, as appropriate, the use of the Non-native Species Manual (“the Manual”) developed by the Committee for Environmental Protection (“CEP”);
Welcoming the revision of the Manual by the CEP, as well as the CEP’s advice that it will continue to refine and develop the Manual to reflect improvements in the understanding of the risks posed by non-native species and best practice measures for prevention, surveillance and response;

Recommend that their Governments:

1. encourage the dissemination of the Manual, annexed to this Resolution, and its use by those organising, conducting and participating in Antarctic activities;
2. encourage the CEP to continue to develop the Manual with the input of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (“SCAR”) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (“COMNAP”) on scientific and practical matters, respectively; and
3. request the Secretariat to post the Manual on its website.