The International Legal Framework for Biosecurity and the Challenges Ahead

Abstract

Effective biosecurity is an important requisite for the conservation of biodiversity. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species including pests, diseases and other organisms through biosecurity measures is important, not only for food security and agricultural health, but also links directly with the prevention of biodiversity loss. Although several international instruments are relevant in this regard, legal analysis of biosecurity at both the international and national levels remains limited. In light of the far‐reaching implications of biosecurity failures, there is an urgent need to recognize the nature of biosecurity and to understand how effective biosecurity frameworks can be developed. The present article seeks to contribute to this gap, first, by highlighting the nature of biosecurity as a regulatory concept; second, by providing an overview of some of the key international legal provisions and standards applicable to biosecurity; and, finally, by discussing some of the challenges which arise for the application of an international framework to biosecurity and the adoption of domestic biosecurity frameworks, particularly in the context of developing countries.

Designing local institutions for cooperative pest management to underpin market access: the case of industry-driven fruit fly area-wide management

“…International and national legal and regulatory biosecurity measures are in place for the prevention, eradication and control of pests (Outhwaite 2010). This means that the risk of particular pests being present either restricts access to certain overseas and domestic markets or necessitates preventative phytosanitary measures, often at substantial cost to the exporter (Dibden et al 2011).…”

“…Governments and agriculture industries in contemporary society use a relatively new term when they refer to this challenge, namely biosecurity. Biosecurity involves designing strategies and activities to minimise and manage the risks related to the spread and establishment of pests, diseases and other undesirable organisms impacting on plant, animal and human health (Outhwaite 2010).…”

Oak Processionary Moth in the United Kingdom

“…For this reason alone it is important to be able to track the spread of OPM accurately in order to inform management decisions. OPM should be treated from a wider biosecurity agenda as well as human health concerns to garnish suitable levels of political and financial investment for its control (Outhwaite 2010).…”

Quarantine and Biosecurity

“…Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species including pests, diseases, and other organisms through biosecurity measures is important, not only for food security and agricultural health, but also links directly with the prevention of biodiversity loss (Outhwaite, 2010). Effective biosecurity is an important requisite for the conservation of biodiversity.…”