A renewed spotlight has been placed on the link between global trade dynamics and the rise in invasive alien species (IAS).

• High Economic Cost: India has lost $127.3 billion due to IAS (second-highest globally).

About Invasive Alien Species

• As per the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 (amended 2022), IAS are “species of animal or plant which is not native to India, and whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.”
• Key Traits of IAS according to CBD: 
• • Arrive (via human/natural introduction)
  • Survive (utilize local resources)
  • Thrive (rapid reproduction, displacement of natives)

Challenging in tackling Invasive Alien Species

• Lack of Quarantine and Screening at borders/ports enables accidental introductions.
• Weak Post-Trade Monitoring: No impact assessments or real-time tracking of species post-import.
• Data Deficiency: Economic impacts have been quantified for only 3% of IAS in India.
• Policy and Institutional Gaps: Fragmented coordination between ministries (Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade).
• Climate Change & Trade Shifts: New trade routes, especially maritime and air, reduce travel time and increase species survivability.
• Public Health Risks: IAS such as Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) carry major disease burdens.

Examples of IAS in India

Policy Recommendations

• ‘One Biosecurity’ framework: Adopt a ‘One Biosecurity’ framework that integrates ecological, human, and economic health considerations into comprehensive biosecurity policy development.
• Strengthen Border Biosecurity Infrastructure: Enhance inspections at all entry points and deploying real-time monitoring and early detection systems for invasive species.
• Establish a Centralised IAS Management Authority:  Facilitate inter ministerial  coordination among Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Health for unified invasive alien species (IAS) management. 
• Enforce mandatory biological risk assessments: Mandate strict pre-import screenings, post-trade quarantine measures, and environmental impact assessments for all imported species.
• Develop a IAS Database and Surveillance system:  Implement a centralised reporting portal and conduct regular surveillance of ecosystems linked to trade routes such as coasts, rivers, and agricultural zones.
• Promote Public Engagement and Research Initiatives: Encourage people outreach programmes and training along with funding academic and research programmes on invasive species and mitigation strategies. 

Global Regulatory Framework for Management of Invasive Alien Species

• United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992: It emphasizes the need to prevent the introduction of, control, or eradicate invasive alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats, or species.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 2022: It has been agreed under the UN CBD and aims to reduce the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, 1979: It aims to conserve migratory species and includes measures to control or eliminate invasive alien species already present.
• Global Invasive Species Programme: It supports research, capacity building, and management strategies to address invasive species issues worldwide.
• The Invasive Species Specialist Group: A global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Regulatory Framework for Management of Invasive Alien Species in India

• Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003: Under this, any import of plants or seeds into the country should be inspected for the potential risk of pests. 
• Wildlife (Protection) Amendment (WPA) Bill 2021: It provides for a regulatory framework for IAS in the Indian environmental legislative regime.
• Biological Diversity Act of 2002, and the National Biodiversity Authority Act of 2002: For the conservation of biological diversity aid in the management of threats of invasive species.
• National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (NAPINVAS): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) that focuses on the prevention, early detection, control, and management of invasive species.
• The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): It provides information and resources on invasive species in India.

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