Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to biological diversity on a global scale, necessitating international cooperation to address the problem. This paper gives the context in which action against IAS needs to take place, explains the need for international cooperation, and provides examples of key international instruments, strategies, and programs to deal with IAS.

Additional index words: Convention on Biological Diversity, Global Invasive Species Program, International Plant Protection Convention, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Invasive Species Specialist Group, World Conservation Union.

Abbreviations: CBD, UN Convention on Biological Diversity; GISD, Global Invasive Species Database; GISP, Global Invasive Species Program; IAS, invasive alien species; IPPC, International Plant Protection Convention; ISPM, International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures; ISSG, Invasive Species Specialist Group; IUCN,The World Conservation Union; PRA, Pest Risk Analysis; SPREP, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Program.