Release of IPBES Invasive Alien Species Report

Over four years, a team of 86 international experts from 49 countries meticulously analysed over 13000 sources, including scientific studies, governmental reports, and indigenous knowledge. The key findings were as follows:

• There are 37,000 established alien species globally, with 3,500 classified as invasive due to their destructive impact on introduced environments.
• Invasive alien species are implicated in 60% of global species extinctions.
• The annual economic cost of biological invasions exceeds a staggering $423 billion, a figure likely underestimated.
  
• 85% of invasive species' impacts on nature and quality of life are detrimental.
• Invasive threats are intensifying across all regions.
• Climate change is amplifying the threat posed by invasive alien species by enabling their expansion into climates that were previously unsuitable.
• People are the heart of the problem - The problem with Invasive Alien Species is expected to significantly worsen under a business as usual scenario of human activity.
• People are the heart of the solution - Biological invasions can be prevented and mitigated through effective management.

Target 6 of the aims to reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030. Achieving this goal is paramount for safeguarding natural ecosystems and curbing further biodiversity loss.

Click here to find the full report and the summary.