projects
location Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia date December 2005 – November 2010 project team Arne Witt Florence Chege Roger Day Tom Owaga
managing invasive species
Biodiversity on planet Earth is under threat from Invasive Alien Species. Not creatures from outer space, but plants, animals and micro-organisms that are non-native species introduced to other environments. This is not a new problem, but it is a growing one. Globalization of trade and travel is increasing the number of species moving around the world, and changes in land use and climate are making some habitats more susceptible to invasions.
so what’s the problem? Agriculture, trade, and the environment are all being adversely affected by invasive alien species. These plants, animals and microorganisms have escaped from their native environments and are spreading to new areas around the world. They now form the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction and while this problem is not a new one, it continues to be a growing concern. Globalisation of trade and travel is increasing the number of species moving around the world, and changes in land use and climate are making some habitats more susceptible to invasions. In Africa, many invasive species have been introduced both intentionally and accidentally and are now damaging natural and man-made ecosystems. Various tropical South American water plants have invaded unique wetlands, lakes and rivers. This has led to a loss of biodiversity and is affecting the local fishing and tourism industries. Terrestrial ecosystems are also being affected and agricultural production and food security are under threat.
KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE