International day for Biological Diversity 2009: Invasive Alien Species
The theme for the International Day on Biological Diversity (IBD) in 2009 is invasive alien species (IAS). IAS constitute one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, and to the ecological and economic well-being of Earth and its inhabitants.
The celebration of IBD (also known as “World Biodiversity Day”) provides an opportunity to raise awareness for invasive alien species and to increase practical action to tackle the problem.
Background about International Day for Biological Diversity:
The United Nations proclaimed 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
International Biological Diversity Day Themes
2008 - Biodiversity and Agriculture
2007 - Biodiversity and Climate Change
What are invasive alien species?
“Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. In particular, they impact adversely upon biodiversity, including decline or elimination of native species - through competition, predation, or transmission of pathogens - and the disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions.
Invasive alien species, introduced and/or spread outside their natural habitats, have affected native biodiversity in almost every ecosystem type on earth and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Since the 17th century, invasive alien species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known (CBD, 2006).
The problem continues to grow at great socio-economic, health and ecological cost around the world. Invasive alien species exacerbate poverty and threaten development through their impact on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural systems, which are an important basis of peoples’ livelihoods in developing countries. This damage is aggravated by climate change, pollution, habitat loss and human-induced disturbance.
Most countries are grappling with complex and costly invasive species problems. For example, the annual environmental losses caused by introduced pests in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India and Brazil have been calculated at over US$ 100 billion (CBD, 2006). Addressing the problem of invasive alien species is urgent because the threat is growing daily, and the economic and environmental impacts are severe.”
- From CBD website
Tell LAB how you celebrated IBD
Local Action for Biodiversity is interested to hear how you celebrated International Biological Diversity Day. Please remember to email us with information and photographs about your celebrations to lab@iclei.org
For more information about IBD 2009 and invasive alien species, see: