Minister launches third National Status of Biological Invasions in SA programme

Biological invasions need to be treated as an urgent matter as they pose a risk to water security as well as biodiversity, writes Jyothi Laldas.

The infiltration of biological invaders poses a significant risk to the water security of South Africa, jeopardising sustainable agriculture, intensifying wildfires, and continuously harming the nation’s distinctive and globally significant biodiversity.

This is according to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy, who was speaking during the launch of the third National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management recently.

“We must continue investing in research and innovation, supporting studies that enhance our understanding of invasive species dynamics to improve management strategies. The third National Status report on Biological Invasions serves as a clarion call for action, reminding us of the urgency of the situation and the imperative to act decisively,” said Creecy.

She said the phenomenon was not unique to South Africa, prompting the recent Intergovernmental SciencePolicy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Invasive Alien Species Assessment to focus on biological invasions.

The third national status programme positions South Africa strategically to align with international efforts guided by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Bio-Invasion report will also support the implementation of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity as well as target six of the GBF factors, which call for the reduction of invasive alien species by 50% by 2030.

The scientific report, co-produced by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Department of Science and Innovation’s National Research Foundation’s (DSI-NRF) Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, made several key findings: ȊȲNew alien species continued to arrive in the country every year through various pathways, with the rate of introduction remaining stable at around three new alien species per year. Creecy said: “Over the last decade (2013-2022), 32 new alien species were either illegally or accidentally introduced. This is slightly lower than the numbers seen for 2010-2019, which were an average of about four new species introduced per year. “South Africa has an innovative regulatory system to address biological invasions, with decisions on the management of the alien species directly informed by the available scientific evidence. All legal introductions of new alien species require import permits, with permits issued only if the risks are demonstrated to be sufficiently low. In addition, the new National Border Management Authority has committed to improve the prevention of illegal and accidental introductions.” ȊȲInvasive species, in particular trees and freshwater fish, have major negative impacts on people and nature by reducing South Africa’s water resources, degrading pasturelands and exacerbating fires.

“In mountain catchments, we are seeing pine trees using up water, increasing the intensity of wildfires, and crowding out biodiversity. Alien freshwater fishes are invading our water resources, reducing the diversity of our native fishes and other aquatic organisms,” she said.

She added that government invested over R1,5 billion to address biological invasions between 2020 and 2022, targeting priority areas such as strategic water source areas, protected areas and biodiversity hotspots. “This has also created much-needed employment, especially in rural areas. Several notable initiatives by NGOs have raised over R180 million from the private sector to fund the control of invasive freshwater fishes and alien plants in the water catchments of Cape Town. This model could be replicated across other catchments and priority areas.”

The report says invasive species are devastating the Prince Edward Islands in the Indian Ocean. “Although these islands are part of South Africa, their remote location and unique biodiversity warrant a separate assessment. Findings highlight the devastating impact of the house mouse, which is alien to the Marion Island. The mice feed on plants and small animals including endangered seabirds. A bold plan to eradicate mice from the island has been developed and is due to be implemented in 2027.”

Creecy emphasised that addressing the challenges posed by biological invasions required a coordinated and collaborative effort.

“Governments, academics, civil society organisations and communities must come together, pooling their knowledge, resources, and expertise to develop effective prevention, early detection and control strategies.

“We must enhance our efforts to prevent the introduction of new invasive species through vigilance at our borders and risk analyses.

“Early detection and rapid response systems should be strengthened to identify and eradicate invaders before they become established,” she said.

DFFE Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy launching the third National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management.