Addressing global drivers of invasive species

The spread of invasive species around the world is driven by increasing global trade and travel.  Invasive species are responsible for 60% of global extinctions and cost the world’s economy over $423 billion every year. In Australia and most Pacific nations they are the main animal extinction driver and the problem continues to worsen. Despite this there are few independent environmental voices in international forums driving change. 

The case for action is compelling. In 2022, countries adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse nature loss that included targets for achievement by 2030. Target 6 seeks to ‘eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services’. In 2023, the UN’s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) published the Thematic Assessment of Invasive Alien Species and their Control, a landmark report that highlighted the impacts, trends and options for responding to this major driver of biodiversity loss.

Ambitious action is needed at the global, regional and national levels to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework invasive species target. Action at the global level will benefit all countries and is essential to support regional and national actions.

4nature is identifying the opportunities for change in the complex international system of agreements and trade rules, including the WTO, the International Plant Protection Convention and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

During 2025 and 2026, 4nature will develop a global collaboration with the IUCN and others to seek more rapid reform to build greater awareness of the problem, limit invasive species pathways and address major funding deficiencies in developed and developing countries alike.