The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has published the results of its four-year Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and their Control.
Defra Biosecurity Minister Lord Benyon said: “Invasive species are one of the top threats to global biodiversity. Today’s report is an important step forward in highlighting the importance of this issue, but shows that with greater international coordination and resources we can successfully tackle the problem. The UK is committed to tackling invasive species at home and overseas, demonstrated through the launch of the GB Invasive Non-Native Species and UK Biosecurity Strategies earlier this year, and alongside initiatives in the Overseas Territories. We will continue to work together with our global partners to achieve greater coordination and resources in order to protect biodiversity, economies and people.”
Full press release from IPBES:
Invasive Alien Species Pose Major Global Threats to Nature, Economies, Food Security and Human Health
Key Role in 60% of Global Plant & Animal Extinctions
Annual Costs Now >$423 Billion – Have Quadrupled Every Decade Since 1970
Report Provides Evidence, Tools & Options to Help Governments Achieve Ambitious New Global Goal on Invasive Alien Species
The severe global threat posed by invasive alien species is underappreciated, underestimated, and often unacknowledged. According to a major new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), more than 37,000 alien species have been introduced by many human activities to regions and biomes around the world. This conservative estimate is now rising at unprecedented rates. More than 3,500 of these are harmful invasive alien species – seriously threatening nature, nature’s contributions to people and good quality of life. Too often ignored until it is too late, invasive alien species are a significant challenge to people in all regions and in every country.
Posted On: 04/09/2023
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