Invasive alien species (IAS) are animals, plants and other organisms that have been introduced by humans to new ecosystems and cause environmental or economic harm. Well known examples in the UK are American mink, grey squirrels and giant hogweed. But the problem is global; thousands of invasive species are wreaking havoc worldwide. IAS often have especially damaging impacts on island habitats and wildlife, as island flora and fauna can be particularly vulnerable to extinction from these invaders. However, by their very nature, islands may also offer the possibility of long-term refuge and security if alien species can be eradicated or effectively controlled. This international Island Invasives conference, convened by the South Georgia Heritage Trust in partnership with the University of Dundee, will bring together some of the key researchers in the field to share experience, discoveries and ideas this July.

This long-overdue gathering will build on the great success of the Island Invasive meetings in 2001 and 2010 held in Auckland, New Zealand. The location of the July 2017 conference will encourage the participation of conservation organisations in Europe and North America, giving them an opportunity to engage with the seasoned practitioners from the Southern Hemisphere.

Over the last seven years much has been learned about the devastating impact of invasive species on island biodiversity and how to control and eradicate those species. This conference provides a forum to share that knowledge and inspire the next generation of island conservationists.

The conference delegates include representatives from organisations conducting such significant initiatives as the IUCN Honolulu challenge and New Zealand 2050. Host organisation the South Georgia Heritage Trust recently completed the baiting phase of the world’s largest island rodent eradication operation ever undertaken.

WHEN: Monday 10 July – Friday 14 July 2017

• A detailed conference programme is available at www.islandinvasives2017.com
• Media passes for the conference can be arranged via Firebird PR
• A public lecture on the South Georgia Habitat Restoration project will be given by Professor Tony Martin. It will take place on the evening of Monday 10 July. The talk will be introduced by the UK Environment Minister, Lord Gardiner

SPEAKERS:

Seven of the world’s foremost specialists in their respective fields will be presenting keynote talks at this conference, on subjects ranging from island biosecurity to eradication problems, methodology and outcomes, to invasive plants and international policy. There will also be over eighty speakers. Keynote speakers are:

• Elizabeth Bell, Senior Ecologist with Wildlife Management International Ltd (WMIL), New Zealand
• Dr Colin Clubbe, Head of Conservation Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Steve Cranwell, pioneering invasive species specialist, based in Fiji, leading the Pacific Invasive Alien Species programme for BirdLife International
• Dr Piero Genovesi, Chair of the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group and Head of the Wildlife Conservation Advisory Service of ISPRA, Italy
• Gregg Howald, Island Conservation’s Director in the North America Region
• Dr Euan Kennedy, National Advisor for Island Biosecurity in New Zealand’s Department of Conservation
• Dr James Russell, Senior Lecturer in the University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences and Department of Statistics

WHERE: University of Dundee, Dalhousie Building

Registration for non-media delegates is available at www.registerforevent.co.uk/islandinvasives2017