FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INVASIVE SPECIES TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AS MAJOR THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AT UNEA-7 SIDE EVENT

UNEP Farmers Major Group to convene experts, farmers, and policymakers for urgent dialogue on global biosecurity

NAIROBI, KENYA — The UNEP Farmers Major Group and partners will host a UNEA-7 side event titled “Invasive Species as Drivers of Biodiversity Loss and Global Food Insecurity” on Dec. 8, 2025, from 14:00-15:30 East Africa Time (EAT). The 90-minute session will bring together scientists, farmers, international organizations, and policy leaders to address the rising global threats posed by invasive species.

WHAT: The event will feature a panel of experts which includes representatives from Solutions from the Land, the University of Florida Invasion Science Institute, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Global Farmer Network. They will share scientific insights, field experiences, and approaches for preventing, monitoring, diagnosing, and managing invasive species.

WHY: Invasive species are increasingly damaging marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems, which is driving biodiversity loss, harming crops and livestock, and elevating risks to food production and public health. Climate change is accelerating these impacts, underscoring the urgent need for global coordination and effective biosecurity systems.

The event is organized by the UNEP Farmers Major Group, with co-organizers Solutions from the Land, the University of Florida Invasion Science Institute, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Global Farmer Network. The session aims to elevate invasive species as a priority issue across UN environmental and food security platforms.

About Solutions from the Land (SfL):
Solutions from the Land is a farmer- and scientist-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing land-based solutions to global challenges. Through state, national, and global initiatives, SfL brings together farmers, ranchers, foresters, and partners to showcase innovation and champion the policies, investments, and research needed for agricultural landscapes to deliver cost-effective, integrated solutions for food and energy security, sustainable economic growth, and environmental health. For more information, visit www.solutionsfromtheland.org.

Contact: Ernie Shea, President of Solutions from the Land

Email: eshea@solutionsfromtheland.org

Phone: 410-952-0123 (cell)