The third annual Invasive Species Forum was hosted by the Invasive Species Center from February 1-3, with a focus on action, innovation and awareness.
The forum brought together Indigenous researchers, practitioners, agencies and organizations from Canada, the United States and Europe.
For more information, please see the press release below.
The Invasive Species Center (ISC) hosted the third annual Invasive Species Forum in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. The forum is held annually and draws attention to invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring in Canada and neighboring US states.
Invasive species are plants, animals, insects and pathogens that are introduced into an area and cause harm to the environment, economy or society. Many organizations are working together to protect Canada’s lands and waters from these harmful arrivals, and the Invasive Species Forum is a way to connect and share new information that will support future work.
The 2022 “Action, Innovation, and Awareness” forum took place February 1-3 and featured more than 50 expert speakers from conservation, environmental, and Indigenous agencies and organizations from Canada, the United States, and Europe. .
“The annual forum provides an opportunity to bring together and showcase the incredible and innovative work of practitioners and researchers working in a variety of ways to protect Canada’s lands and waters from invasive species. says Sarah Rang, executive director of the Invasive Species Centre.
The forum highlighted the remarks of the Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Hon. David Piccini, Minister, Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Hon. Ross Romano, MP for Sault Ste. Marie and Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
Over 500 attendees logged on during the 3-day event, attending sessions on invasive species vectors, pathways and threats; risks, impacts and innovative solutions; ecosystem resilience; forest, aquatic and plant invasives; municipal and aboriginal updates; and community education, outreach and science.
The forum also celebrated the nominees and winners of the Invasive Species Centre’s first awards, recognizing the leadership and commitment of individuals or organizations that help keep Canada’s lands and waters free of invasive species. See the full list of nominees and winners here.
Recordings of the 2022 Invasive Species Forum sessions are available on the ISC YouTube channel here. The complete proceedings will be available on February 11.
