A8 Current policy instruments for biological 
invasions have led to only partial progress towards 
international Targets on invasive alien species, 
including Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and 
Sustainable Development Goal Target 15.8 (well 
established) {6.1.2, 6.1.3}. Most countries (80 per cent, 
156 out of 196) have targets for the management of 
biological invasions within their national biodiversity 
strategies and action plans, 74 per cent (145) of which are 
aligned with Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 (well established)
{6.1.2}. Assessment of the progress towards meeting Aichi 
Biodiversity Target 9 concluded that there was still a 
considerable gap between the development and adoption of 
invasive alien species policy and implementation at national 
levels (well established) {6.1.2}. Although the number of 
countries with national invasive alien species checklists, 
including databases, has more than doubled in the last 
decade (196 countries in 2022) (Table SPM.A3) {6.1.3}, 
83 per cent do not have national legislation or regulations 
25SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
19SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
BACKGROUND
Box SPM 1 Voluntary codes of conduct can complement legislation for managing the risks 
of transport and the introduction of invasive alien species through trade. 