Which of the following statements best describes the mandate and global relevance of the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), particularly in the context of international conservation frameworks?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is ISSG is a scientific network under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that provides expertise on invasive species, maintains the Global Invasive Species Database, and supports the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Targets and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Explanation:
☛ The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive alien species, functioning under the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
☛ Its primary mission is to reduce threats to natural ecosystems and native species by increasing awareness and providing technical guidance on the prevention, eradication, and management of invasive alien species.
☛ ISSG manages and maintains the authoritative Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), which tracks introduced alien species that negatively affect native biodiversity.
☛ It plays an active role in supporting global biodiversity treaties, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), contributing toward achieving past Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and the current Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Target 6): Aims to reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.
☛ IUCN SSC: The Species Survival Commission is the world's largest volunteer conservation network, responsible for producing the renowned IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
☛ Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS): Another major initiative developed and maintained by the ISSG to provide verified national checklists of introduced species.
☛ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, addressing conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which body maintains the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD)? → Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of IUCN
☛ In which year was the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) founded? → 1948 (in Fontainebleau, France)
☛ Where is the global headquarters of IUCN located? → Gland, Switzerland
☛ Which target of the Kunming-Montreal Framework specifically addresses invasive alien species? → Target 6
☛ Under which commission of IUCN does the ISSG function? → Species Survival Commission (SSC)