On the move: New insights on the ecology and management of native and alien macrophytes

•Highlights from last meeting of the International Aquatic Plants Group (IAPG).•Global and local threats challenge the conservation of aquatic plant biodiversity.•Increased risk of invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAP) around the globe.•Sound risk assessments are needed to manage IAAP and conserve rare, native species.•IAPG symposia facilitate exchange of research, on the restoration and management of aquatic plants.