Is successful management of biological invasions an achievable goal?

Resumen

The spread and global impact of invasive alien species (IAS) are projected to increase if the invasion pathways remain porous and without effective management measures. The report of Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (2023) highlights the availability of decision-making frameworks, approaches and tools for successful IAS management at all stages of invasion. The most cost-effective method to manage IAS is prevention through the efficient practice of border biosecurity measures. When it fails, preparedness and rapid response can be effective in curbing invasion rates. Prevention is the only effective method to manage IAS in marine and connected water systems. Eradication has been successful, especially of invasive alien vertebrates on islands, only when populations are small and can be delimited and contained. When eradication is unsuccessful, species-based management uses containment and control through physical, chemical, and biological methods in terrestrial ecosystems. However, physical methods are labor-intensive and short-term, and chemical methods may have non-target effects. Biological control have been effective for some invasive plants, invertebrates, and a few other IAS. Adaptive management and ecosystem restoration are important for managing widespread IAS. Successful management also depends on stakeholder’s engagement and context-specific integrated governance approaches in implementing the management actions.

Citation: Sankaran, K. V.& Shepperd, A. W. 2025. Is successful management of biological invasions an achievable goal? Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46 (Número especial 1): 40.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Simposio Gestión y desafíos de las especies invasoras en Latinoamérica y el Caribe.