The Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control was approved in Bonn, Germany, by representatives of the 143 member States of IPBES, representing the first comprehensive global report on such topics.
Invasive alien species are one of the 5 major drivers of biodiversity loss. The report found more than 3,500 alien species with negative impacts on nature, including animals, plants, and other organisms that have been introduced by human activities to new regions. Every year, there are 200 new alien species.
Besides the dramatic changes to biodiversity and ecosystems, economies, food security, water security, human health and cultural identities are profoundly and negatively affected by invasive alien species. The report estimated that global annual costs of biological invasions in 2019 amounted to over 423 billion dollars.
Drivers of change such as demographic, economic, and land- and sea-use changes can amplify the threats and impacts of invasive alien species. Current policies have been insufficient in managing biological invasions and preventing and controlling invasive alien species.
Prevention and preparedness are the most cost-effective options. The report provided the best available evidence, critical analysis and options for governments, civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and all those seeking to address the issue of biological invasions.
Read more at Media Release: IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment | IPBES secretariat
About IPBES
IPBES is an independent international body aiming at providing decision-makers with scientific information on nature-related issues. The European Union is a major donor of IPBES, via the EU4IPBES project. In addition to this direct support, the European Union has been financing impactful research projects on biodiversity that delivered or will deliver many results relevant to IPBES, such as BioValue. The aim is to fill critical knowledge gaps and deliver policy-relevant outcomes for the implementation of European Green Deal and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Image credits: Anne Coatesy on Adobe Stock
