The Member Nations of the World Assembly:
Committed to combating the environmental threat posed by invasive species;
Pausing to note that it is a perfectly natural process for well-adapted species to expand to new areas and compete for resources in new places, and that resorting to extraordinary regulation to prevent such expansion can do more ecological harm than good;
Concerned that flaws in General Assembly Resolution #259, "Stopping Invasive Species," render it problematic, unworkable, and ineffective;
Noting GAR #259's definition of "invasive species," which defines a species as invasive if it poses a "serious risk" of environmental harm regardless of whether that risk, though serious, is very remote and unlikely, or whether the risk is far outweighed by the potential benefits that species could provide to an ecosystem;
Dismayed that GAR #259 flatly prohibits the import of what it calls "invasive species" without any exceptions, meaning that member nations may not allow so-called invasive species even if they have made a fully studied and calculated choice that, despite any risks, importing the species would likely improve the environment;
Further dismayed that GAR #259's absolute prohibition on the import of invasive species prohibits member nations from importing invasive species for academic studies, biological and ecological research, or as zoological exhibits, even if the member nation would take great care in handling, transporting, and managing the species.
Recognizing that scientists and ecologists have provided better definitions of "invasive species" than the one adopted by GAR #259, including definitions that take into account whether a foreign species is in fact causing environmental harm, or whether the risks of harm posed by the species have a high probability of actually occurring, or whether the risks of allowing the species to be introduced outweigh potential ecological benefits.
Disappointed that the measures put forth by GAR #259 to prevent the introduction of invasive species via ballast water are woefully inadequate in that they address only ocean-going vessels, meaning that coastal vessels, river vessels, and many other potential modes of transport for invasive species are left completely unaddressed.
Frustrated that while GAR #259 promised to prevent "economic damage" caused by invasive species, its ham-fisted approach of outlawing all shipping practices that may contribute to "the accidental spread of invasive species" offers scant guidance on what is allowed, required, and prohibited, thus causing confusion and economic uncertainty within the shipping industry.
Now, therefore, the General Assembly hereby Repeals GAR #259, "Stopping Invasive Species."
Ruling of the Secretariat