The Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and Diseases cultivates and catalyzes collaborative action among diverse interests to abate the threat to North American forests from non-native insects and diseases.

The impacts of non-native insects and diseases on America’s forests have been profound, and the rates of introduction and establishment of new invaders have increased dramatically in recent years. The increase in introductions stems from a failure to adapt government interdiction efforts to changes in trade, particularly increased volume of trade, increased speed with which goods move from one continent to another, and increasing diversity of goods traded and ports of origin. Because this is a societal problem and not a biological problem, it can be solved.

The Dialogue is now working to implement a six part Action Agenda to achieve the vision. The Action Agenda was developed at a January 2007 meeting of a diverse group of continental leaders in the diverse industries, universities, non-profit groups, and government agencies. Actions under development include market-based strategies to encourage best management practices, communications and marketing approaches to raise public awareness, and legislative strategies to improve public policy.

To view final documents developed by Dialogue Workgroups, click on Workgroup Products.

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All photos: Kyra Wiens / Copyright The Nature Conservancy