Responding to the challenge, the United Nations is today releasing the first global assessment of invasive alien species and their control.
In 2019, IPBES released a global biodiversity assessment that placed invasive alien species in the top five drivers of biodiversity loss - alongside changing land- and sea-use, over-exploitation of natural resources, climate change, and pollution.
In particular, one of the targets in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is to "Eliminate, minimise, reduce and/or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services".
Globally, we observe around 200 new alien species every year, and many of these species have negative impacts, including threats to native species, the health of natural vegetation, or the way ecosystems work.
The assessment reveals that invasive alien species have contributed to 60% of global extinctions, and have been the sole driver of 16% of recorded extinctions.
These sectors are highly susceptible to threats from invasive alien species.
Despite strong biosecurity measures, highly engaged primary industries agricultural industries, excellent research infrastructure and a high level of public awareness, invasive alien species continue to slip through our borders and multiply.
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-opinion-true-invasive-alien-species.html
Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have among the highest modern global native species extinction rates.
The cost of biological invasions is quadrupling every decade, but stringent biosecurity policies and practices can protect our environment and economies.
Prevention will not stop arrivals altogether.
Despite strong biosecurity measures, highly engaged primary industries agricultural industries, excellent research infrastructure and a high level of public awareness, invasive alien species continue to slip through our borders and multiply.