National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020.

The National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this Strategy is 6 years between 2014 and 2020. The overall purpose of this Strategy is to mitigate or eliminate the risks and threats of invasive alien species which is of paramount importance in terms of biodiversity conservation.
This Strategy and Action Plan lays down specific actions against invasive alien species which is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss in Jamaica. An effective institutional mechanism will be developed for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of the policy. To this end, Invasive Alien Species Coordination Mechanism will be established for strengthened coordination between relevant authorities and determination of institutional roles and responsibilities. The existing programmes will be strengthened for prevention, eradication and control of invasive alien species and minimization of their spread and impacts. Moreover, plans will be developed to eradicate invasive alien species from Jamaica and an assessment of the barrier to and opportunities for the application of biosafety agents will be conducted to control invasive alien species. The legal and institutional capacity will be improved to enable the effective prevention, eradication, and control of invasive alien species at the regional, national, and local (site-specific) levels. A voluntary invasive alien species code of conduct will be developed for (a) zoos and aquarium; (b) aquaculture and agriculture farms; (c) pet stores, breeders, and dealers; (d) pet owners, (e) veterinarians, and (f) eco-tourism industry. Surveys will be conducted on non-native species in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, placing an emphasis on protected areas and landscapes managed for commercial purposes. Access to and the exchange of reliable information will be enabled through capacity building on invasive alien species information in order to facilitate the prevention, eradication, and control of invasive alien species in a timely and cost-effective manner. Invasive alien species database and pest interception database will be developed for improvement of infrastructure, content, quality, as well as ensuring long-term sustainability and use. A watch list of non-native species will be created for documentation. Early detection and rapid response programme will be developed for invasive alien species of substantial concern. Research and monitoring will be conducted to facilitate an evidence-based approach to the prevention, eradication, and control of invasive alien species through sound information, scientific research, and ecological monitoring. The awareness of all stakeholders will be raised on the issue of invasive alien species and their potential impacts in order to take the appropriate action to prevent, eradicate, and control. A comprehensive fundraising plan will be developed to secure adequate financing for the activities of this Strategy and Action Plan.