International Cooperation

The EO calls on NISC to work with the NISC-member Department of State to further international cooperation to prevent and control invasive species in the U.S. and around the world. Other NISC members with international programs and activities include the USDA, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Most invasive species are, at least initially, introduced from other nations after having been introduced either accidentally, and, or intentionally.

Our ability to prevent invasive species from entering the United States depends, in part, on the capability of other countries to effectively manage invasive species and their pathways. Once invasive species become established within one country, they pose a threat to an entire region surrounding it, as well as to its trading partners. The United States cannot succeed in addressing its domestic invasive species problems unless it takes a leadership role in international cooperation and invests in strategies that increase our prevention activities and raise the capacity of other nations to manage the movement of invasive species.

Active participation in international fora that address invasive species is necessary. The development and support of international standards, agreements, codes of conduct along with active negotiation of invasive species in formal and informal trade agreements will need to be sustained.