United Kingdom
January 22, 2008
Source:
CABI
Economic Impacts of Invasive Alien Species: A Global Problem
with Local Consequences - by the Global Invasives Species
Programme (GISP) warns that unless more research is carried out
to highlight the damage caused by invasive species, more
livelihoods and natural ecosystems will be ruined as a
consequence of their effects.
Invasive alien species are those that occur outside their
natural range and threaten the existence of native plants and
animals. They can be plants, animals or microorganisms that are
introduced intentionally for economic or agricultural purposes,
or accidentally, through tourism, travel or trade, or when
domestic animals become feral.
As well as drawing attention to the rising cost of invasive
species on a global scale –estimated at US$1.4 trillion in
damage – GISP stresses that too much emphasis has been placed on
the problems faced by the agricultural sector in developed
countries rather than in developing countries and on the “full
range of environmental, social and economic costs.” The report
also emphasises that due to the lack of knowledge and research
available on the severity of individual pests and the options
for best controlling them, policy makers are being left in the
dark.
Dennis Rangi, Chair of GISP says:
“With the increase in global trade, invasive species are gaining
more and more prominence around the world. However the level of
awareness amongst decision-makers, and in particular those in
developing countries is still relatively low. “
He goes on to say that to enable informed policy making on the
prevention, eradication and control of invasive species, it is
critical that studies are expanded to show the extent of the
problem and in particular the impact that these weeds, pests and
diseases have on people’s lives. He says “numbers are not
enough; decision makers need to know the tangible effects
invasive species are having on the individual farmers and their
crops.”
To help address the issues, GISP and one of its lead
organisations, CABI, has undertaken a number of case studies of
problem invasive species in Africa – a country with a current
lack of analysis. As well as highlighting the overall economic
damage to the affected countries, the studies show the estimated
monetary loss to farmers, the cost of prevention and control and
the potential consequences if action is not taken.
CABI is world-renowned for its extensive work in working with
countries to help prevent and control invasive species. As well
as advising on how to control invasive weeds and pests using a
complementary array of pest management approaches, CABI
specialises in natural control methods. This focuses on finding
and developing natural enemies from the species’ country of
origin and introducing them to the environment where it has
invaded. One example is the Rastrococcus mealybug which
devastated mangoes in West Africa. CABI introduced a highly
specific wasp from Asia, which proved extremely effective in
controlling the mealybug. Natural control methods for other weed
species such as Mikania micrantha and Water Hyacinth have also
been successfully used.
Among GISP’s case studies is the Triffid weed (Chromolaena
odorata), a plant native to the Americas which has severely
impacted natural areas in Africa and reduces crop productivity
in agriculture and grazing. In Ghana the study showed that the
weed occupies 59% of all arable lands, and in Ubombo, South
Africa it greatly reduces the grazing capacity of animals.
Effective control would see an increase in production by 34% and
a gain of US$25.6 per hectare for each farmer.
Another example is the Larger Grain Borer which has been
recorded in over 18 African countries. The Borer is a major pest
of staple food in Africa, especially farm-stored maize and
cassava. By studying the Borer, GISP reported that “its impact
is greatest in rural, small-holder farming systems where yield
losses range from 23-60%.”
Sarah Simons, Global Director of Invasives Species at CABI
concludes:
“By concentrating on a number of specific problem weeds in
Africa, we are able to identify the effects they have on a
country’s overall economy and also on the farmers and their
families. This sort of information is essential if governments
are to understand the extent of the problem and develop
effective strategies to tackle them.”
CABI works with other GISP partners (IUCN and TNC) to extend
this research from impacts on agricultural systems to invasions
of natural and wild ecosystems and the effects they have on
conservation and peoples’ livelihoods – especially in developing
countries.
About GISP
The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) was founded in 1997
as a small, mainly voluntary partnership programme, by three
international organizations: IUCN - The World Conservation
Union, CABI, and the Scientific Committee on Problems of the
Environment (SCOPE). In early 2005, GISP was constituted as a
legal entity with Founding Members IUCN, CAB International, The
Nature Conservancy, and the South African National Biodiversity
Institute (SANBI).
The GISP Secretariat was established in 2003 at Kirstenbosch to
facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the Global
Strategy on Invasive Alien Species. Start-up funding to meet
core costs were provided by The World Bank though the
Bank-Nederlands Partnership Programme and Development Grant
Facility, allowing the employment of a small team of
professionals and the delivery of several priority projects.
About CABI
CABI is a not for profit organisation that improves people's
lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific
expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment.
Its mission and direction is influenced by its 45 member
countries who help guide the activities undertaken as a
business. These include scientific publishing, projects and
consultancy, information for development and mycological
services. CABI’s activities contribute directly to achieving
Global Development Objectives, particularly those concerned with
poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and partnership
for development.
For more information on CABI go to
www.cabi.org |
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