Side Event

Worldwide Integrated Assessment of the Impact of Systemic Pesticides on Biodiversity and Ecosystems (W.I.A.)

Organizer
Task Force on Systemic Pesticides and Biodiversity Conservancy International

Date and Time
25 June 2014 18:15 - 19:45

Meeting
Eighteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

An international scientific Task Force on Systemic Pesticides of independent scientists was created in 2009 to examine the relationship between the persistent, systemic and neurotoxic neonicotinoids and fipronil, introduced in the early 1990’s, and the catastrophic decline of insects and arthropods in general. Beginning in Europe, the Task Force membership has grown to include fifteen nationalities on four continents. Neonicotinoids are now the most widely used insecticides in the world. They are neurotoxins, binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system and causing nervous stimulation at low concentrations but receptor blockage, paralysis and death at higher concentrations. This week the Task Force is releasing findings of its Worldwide Integrated Assessment on Systemic Pesticides. Overall, a compelling body of evidence has accumulated that clearly demonstrates that the wide-scale use of these persistent, water-soluble chemicals is having widespread, chronic impacts upon global biodiversity and is likely to be having major negative effects on ecosystem services such as pollination that are vital to food security and sustainable development.