INVASIVE
ALIEN SPECIES - ENVIRONMENT
News: Biodiversity loss: 37,000 ‘alien
species introduced by human activities, says report
What's
in the news?
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The latest Intergovernmental Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report, “Assessment Report on
Invasive Alien Species and their Control’’ has said that 37,000 alien species
have been introduced by humans, including 3,500 invasive species, are linked to
60% of extinctions of global plant and animals.
Invasive
Alien Species:
●
Invasive alien species are non-native
organisms that have been introduced to a new environment, either intentionally
or accidentally, and cause significant harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human
health.
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These species often exhibit rapid growth
and reproduction, outcompeting native species for resources.
●
The phenomenon of alien species invasion
has become a major global concern due to its detrimental impacts on
biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
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Examples: Water hyacinth in Lake Victoria
has harmed fish populations and livelihoods.
Characteristics
of Alien Species:
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Rapid growth and reproduction.
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Competitive advantage over native species.
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Ability to adapt to new environments.
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Potential to cause economic and ecological
harm.
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Disruption of food chains and ecosystem
processes
Impact
of Invasive Alien Species:
1.
Displacement of native species - European green crab
displacing native crabs in North America.
2.
Competition with native species - Zebra mussels
outcompete native mussels in freshwater ecosystems
3.
Impact on fisheries and aquaculture - European shore crab
impacting shellfish beds.
4.
Spread of diseases - Aedes mosquitoes spread diseases like
malaria and Zika.
5.
Agricultural and crop damage - The brown marmorated
stink bug damages fruit crops.
6.
Impact on tourism and recreational activities - Invasive plants
affecting hiking and camping areas.
7.
Impact on global trade and commerce - Trade restrictions on
invasive species-infested goods.
Global
Measures to Control Invasive Alien Species:
1.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes that there is
an urgent need to address the impact of invasive species.
2.
Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 and one clause of UN
Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land specifically address the issue.
3.
The IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) aims
to reduce threats to ecosystems and their native species by increasing
awareness of ways to prevent, control or eradicate IAS.
4. IUCN has developed
knowledge platforms: The Global Invasive
Species Database (GISD) and the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive
Species (GRIIS).
5. Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework aims to reduce the rate of invasive alien species introduction by
at least 50% by 2030.
6. While many countries
have targets related to managing invasive species, only 17% have specific
legislation addressing the issue.
Indian
Measures to Control Invasive Alien Species:
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Establishment of the National Biodiversity
Authority to regulate and control invasive species.
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Development of the National Biodiversity
Action Plan (NBAP) to address the issue of invasive alien species.
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Implementation of the Invasive Alien
Species Management Program to raise awareness and promote early detection and
rapid response to invasive species.
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Collaboration with international
organizations such as the IUCN and CBD to develop global strategies and
policies on invasive alien species management.
Measures
to control invasive alien species:
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The integrated approach involves various
sectors like trade, health, and economic development to prevent, detect, and
respond to biological invasions.
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The urgency to address invasive alien
species stems from their role in driving plant and animal extinctions.
Awareness and action are essential to mitigate their impact and protect
biodiversity.
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Site-based or ecosystem-based management,
enforce border biosecurity and import controls etc.