The cost of alien invasives

Did you know New Zealand already has almost 900 introduced alien species? Australia has close to 3,000!

The true damage of invasive species was revealed last week in a landmark report released by the United Nations. It’s the first global assessment of invasive alien species and their control. Over four years, 86 expert authors from 49 countries gathered the latest scientific evidence and Indigenous and local knowledge, including New Zealand’s own Phil Hume from Lincoln University and member of the Zespri/KVH Biosecurity Advisory Group.

This great article rounds-up key insights for Australia and New Zealand, with findings including the cost of biological invasions is quadrupling every decade, but stringent biosecurity policies and practices can protect our environment and economies. They also safeguard our wellbeing and cultural and social livelihoods.