Rising Economic Burden of Invasive Alien Species

Why in the News?

1. A new global assessment published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that invasive alien species have cost the global economy over $2.2 trillion between 1960-2022.
2. The study uses the InvaCost database and highlights that previous estimates were underestimated by nearly 16 times, indicating a severe data gap.
3. India recorded the highest percentage discrepancy (1.16 billion%) in management expenditure reporting, indicating huge unrecorded or hidden costs.

Key Highlights

1. Invasive Alien Species
   1. Invasive Alien Species are plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms that are introduced (intentionally or unintentionally) outside their native range and whose introduction and spread threaten ecosystems, habitats, native species, or cause economic and human health impacts.
   2. Lantana camara in India – displaces native flora and reduces grazing land.
   3. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – clogs water bodies, affecting fisheries and irrigation.
2. Global Economic Impact of Biological Invasions
   1. Non-native plants emerged as the most economically impactful, costing $926 billion, followed by arthropods ($830 billion) and mammals ($263 billion).
3. Regional Disparities in Cost
   1. Europe accounts for the highest share: $1.5 trillion (71.45%).
   2. Followed by North America ($226 billion), Asia ($182 billion), Africa ($127 billion), and Oceania ($27 billion).
   3. Higher costs in Europe attributed to high agricultural product value and management cost.
4. India’s Situation
   1. India showed the highest discrepancy in management cost reporting (1.16 billion%), suggesting poor documentation and underreporting.
   2. Reasons: lack of centralized data systems, inter-agency gaps, and limited funding for biological invasion management.
5. Drivers of Biological Invasions
   1. Globalisation, trade, and travel are the main contributors to the spread of invasive species.
   2. Examples: Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and Common Lantana (Lantana camara) are among the costliest to manage.
6. Control Measures and International Frameworks
   1. Ballast Water Management Convention – prevents spread of harmful aquatic organisms through ship ballast water.
   2. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – mandates prevention, control, or eradication of alien species threatening ecosystems.
   3. Management strategies: prevention, eradication, control, and slowing spread of invasions.

Implications

1. Economic Consequences
   1. High financial burden on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
   2. Increased costs for eradication and restoration efforts.
2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
   1. Invasive species threaten native species, ecosystem stability, and food security.
   2. Disruption of ecological balance leading to loss of ecosystem services.
3. Policy and Governance Challenges
   1. Lack of centralized reporting systems in countries like India.
   2. Insufficient coordination among agencies and absence of dedicated funding.
4. Trade and Globalisation Paradox
   1. Invasive species spread is a byproduct of trade and tourism.
   2. Balancing economic integration with ecological security is a major challenge.
5. Need for Data and Research
   1. Discrepancy in reporting indicates a severe knowledge gap.
   2. Stronger databases and regular monitoring are essential for effective management.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The study underscores the urgent need to address the hidden and underestimated economic burden of invasive species, especially in biodiversity-rich nations like India. Effective management will require data-driven strategies, international cooperation, stricter trade regulations, and adequate funding. Failure to act may lead to irreversible ecological damage and severe economic losses in the future.