Latest News from BPCA

31 August 2017

Island invasive conference

In July the UK hosted the first international Island Invasives conference in the Northern hemisphere. The event brought together world experts in tackling invasive species to share experience, discoveries and ideas about the management of these species and the international efforts to combat the threat they pose to biodiversity.

Island invasive conference banner

The conference took place at the University of Dundee and saw over 300 delegates representing 43 countries, 90 talks including seven keynotes, and 70 poster presentations. HRH The Princess Royal launched the conference as the patron of the South Georgia Heritage Trust, the co-organiser of the conference with the University of Dundee, and the Environment Minister Lord Gardiner also attended.

Invasive alien species (IAS) on islands can have a huge impact on habitats and ecosystems. Island flora and fauna, which have often evolved in isolation for thousands of years, 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.

Topics ranged from biosecurity and plant invasions to rat eradications and tackling mass extinctions. Speakers explored how achievements in this field can be scaled up to meet the global conservation challenges brought about by invasive species.

Lord Gardiner, the minister responsible for invasive species in England, said, “Invasive non-native species threaten the survival of plants and animals around the world and conferences like this are vital for sharing global expertise and bringing countries together to tackle the problem.”

“We are helping our overseas territories protect their precious plants and wildlife, and the UK will keep investing and working with the international community and other partners to defend biodiversity at home and abroad.”

More about the conference

Source: PPC88

Highlights View all news

27 March 2025

Latest news

PPC Live 2025 review: a showcase of pest control expertise

PPC Live returned to Harrogate on 19 March 2025, once again bringing together the UK pest industry for a day of networking, learning and expert insights. 

Read more

13 March 2025

Latest news

Hantavirus and the role of pest control in preventing its spread

Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.

Read more

29 January 2025

Latest news

Sticky situation: Met Police caught unprepared on Glue Trap law

In December, BPCA received a Freedom of Information (FOI) response from the Metropolitan Police, which revealed that no training had been provided to officers on glue trap protocols. 

Read more
Latest View all news

01 April 2025

Latest news

HSE: Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month and HSE has put together some tips and webinars on managing stress in the workplace.

Read more

27 March 2025

Latest news

PPC Live 2025 review: a showcase of pest control expertise

PPC Live returned to Harrogate on 19 March 2025, once again bringing together the UK pest industry for a day of networking, learning and expert insights. 

Read more

26 March 2025

Latest news

Best Pest Pic 2025 winner announced

BPCA were pleased to announce the winner of the #BestPestPic2025 competition at PPC Live in Harrogate last week.

Read more