Non-native species are a ‘threat to biological diversity’

The European Commission is considering ways to tackle the threat of non-native species on biological diversity, a problem that could cost an estimated 12 billion euros every year according to Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik.

Animals and plants that are introduced into an environment that is not naturally theirs are spreading so fast that they become a large threat to the biological diversity of their surroundings.

Species such as Canada geese, American bullfrogs, Japanese knotweed and Caulerpa seaweed are now spreading in the European environment and threatening local fauna and flora and causing considerable damage to the ecosystems.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "Damage caused by invasive species to our natural capital is estimated to cost up to 12 billion euros every year. The time has come to find an effective policy to counter this growing threat."

It is thought that more than 11,000 alien species have been found in the European environment, of which, ten to 15 per cent become invasive in their surroundings.

Existing measures to prevent this from occurring are not significant enough to reduce these risks, which is why environmental legislation is essential to remedy the problem.

Published by Claire Manning