COMPARISON OF INTERIM GUIDING AND ACCEPTED GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PREVENTION, INTRODUCTION AND MITIGATION OF IMPACTS OF ALIEN SPECIES THAT THREATEN ECOSYSTEMS, HABITATS OR SPECIES
Invasive alien species have been identified as one of the main direct causes of the loss of biodiversity worldwide and global changes in ecosystem services. The issue of alien species is central to the implementation of many provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In this regard, the Conference of the Parties to the CBD approved guidelines for the prevention of the introduction of alien species and mitigation of its consequences. 4 years have passed since the decision was made on the need for their development until the final design. A lot of work has been done during this period. After the first two years, interim guidelines were formulated. The second two-year period ended with the adoption of the final Guiding principles. It is not surprising that the texts of the designated documents are not identical. In our opinion, there is a need to analyze and discuss the differences, evaluate the positive and negative aspects of changes in wording. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that the Guiding principles are advisory in nature and on their basis, the CBD member States may adopt national legislation, which may differ. Accordingly, Member States have the opportunity to take into account those ideas that they consider more progressive when developing norms on IAS. At the same time, States are responsible for ensuring that activities within their jurisdiction or under their control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.