Invasive Alien Species
Context:
The Union Environment Ministry has constituted a 15-member committee to study the impact of invasive alien species on India’s biodiversity and economy.
This comes after a report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlighted that invasive species cost the world at least $423 billion annually.
Indian Context:
India is the fourth worst-affected country in the world in terms of economic costs from invasive species.
The government committee will focus on species like Senna spectabilis. (a plant that has invaded forest tracts, including the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and prevented the natural regeneration of native forests)
The committee is tasked with assessing its impact and recommending management strategies.
What are Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?
Alien Species:
An alien species is an animal, plant, or other organism introduced by humans, either intentionally or unintentionally, into places outside its natural range.
Not all alien species are harmful; some, like many agricultural crops, are beneficial.(For instance, guava fruit)
Invasive Alien Species:
An alien species becomes "invasive" when it negatively impacts native biodiversity, ecosystem services, or human well-being.
Globally, around 6% of alien plants, 22% of alien invertebrates, and 14% of alien vertebrates are known to be invasive.
Impact of Invasive Alien Species:
IAS are a primary driver of biodiversity loss and species extinctions worldwide.
They pose a significant threat to food security, livelihoods, and economic development.
IAS can affect human health and disrupt livelihoods that depend on agriculture and fisheries.
For example, the water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) has clogged waterways in many parts of the world
This is impacting fishing and transportation.
Link with Climate Change:
Climate change makes it easier for many alien species to establish themselves and spread
This creates new opportunities for them to become invasive.
In turn, IAS can reduce the resilience of natural habitats, agricultural systems, and urban areas to the impacts of climate change