Invasive Ignorance

The problem of invasive species is one the most significant threats to biodiversity. Traditionally, invasive species refer to species that are alien to an ecosystem, introduced intentionally or accidentally, that disrupt the ecosystem, causing imbalance and even destruction of the entire system. More often than not, since the invasive species are introduced to a new ecosystem without their natural predators, they proliferate faster and higher in volume, thus causing problems to the new ecosystem. In the Philippines, early introductions were intended for food production, reforestation, horticulture, and recreation. Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introduction, usually for economic reasons, and without a careful consideration of the full costs involved (Joshi).

What seems ironic is the fact that the species were intentionally introduced to an ecosystem in order to solve a problem. However, because of negligence or carelessness, these “solutions” brought even bigger problems, causing even higher expenses in controlling, eradicating, or containing the invasive species. It is easy to see that lack of adequate relevant information is a common cause of the intentional introduction of a species that eventually becomes invasive. Usually, lack of expertise and ignorance are, as in most problems facing the Philippines today, the culprits. If only it was known that the species had the tendency to be invasive, then great loss in biodiversity could have been prevented.

The Convention on Biological Diversity addresses the issue of invasive species somehow, essentially by requiring state parties to “prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats and species” [Article 8(h)]. However, as with most international conventions and agreements, the force of such provision in terms of enforceability remains to be seen.

Invasive species have uncalculated impact not only on the environment, but also on the economy, particularly in trade and production of agricultural and aquatic products. However, the problem of invasive species has taken a back seat in terms of attention ever since the problem of climate change and its consequences has erupted. Nonetheless, it is still a problem that is equally important. Invasive species can cause great imbalance to an ecosystem, and may cause displacement of a variety of other species, by disrupting the food chain and out-competing those species that are native to that ecosystem.

References:

Joshi, Ravindira. Invasive Alien Species: Concerns and Status in the Philippines. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3A2NBZzbsl0OgJ%3Awww.agnet.org%2Factivities%2Fsw%2F2006%2F589543823%2Fpaper-729213301.pdf+joshi+%22invasive+alien+species%22&hl=en&gl=ph&sig=AHIEtbQeCOflCJ5D3CDPoap9_U2nT-vnpw&pli=1

Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) note of the Executive Secretary entitled “INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES: Status, impacts and trends of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats and species”

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