CBD and its Global Taxonomy Initiative is calling for experts to the Training Course on Rapid Identification of Invasive Alien Species

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)1 is calling for experts to attend a training course as part of the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI)2. The course entitled: Rapid Identification of Invasive Alien Species is intended to help countries in achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 a. The training course will cover the application of DNA barcoding in detection and monitoring priority invasive alien species, plant pests and zoonotic disease vectors. This course will provide opportunities for participants to develop national capacity in detection and management of invasive alien species, including pests that threaten the health of plants, animals and humans, as well as habitats and ecosystems. The training course has two major components: an 8-week online distance education course on DNA barcoding methodological approaches and technologies starting on 02 March 2015, and a 4-week hands-on training course in standard DNA barcoding protocols for selected trainees at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Canada starting in 15 July 2015. The entire course is planned to finish on 31 December 2015 including follow up assistance. More information can be found at http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2015/ntf-2015-006-gti-en.doc Nominations should be submitted to [email protected] no later than 15 February 2015. ___ 1 http://www.cbd.int/ 2 http://www.cbd.int/gti/ a Aichi Biodiversity Target 9: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.