Invasive alien plant species - a threat to biodiversity
Canadian goldenrod, is currently being considered for inclusion in a national list of invasive species subject to various bans.
In today's sustainability debate, invasive alien species pose a real threat to biodiversity both in Sweden and globally. Invasive species are included in frameworks such as the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which more companies are now implementing as part of their sustainability efforts.
Invasive alien species have the potential to alter the environment or displace naturally occurring native species, creating imbalances in entire ecosystems. Their impact on biodiversity has received increasing attention from businesses, governments and individuals at an international level.
- "To counteract the loss of species, we all need to be aware of the problem and take action - whether as individuals who choose not to dispose of their garden waste with potentially invasive species behind their house or companies that review the risks in their operations and value chain," says Maria Åkesson, environmental expert at Ecogain.
In the modern business reality, companies have become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint and responsibility towards the surrounding nature. The implementation of frameworks such as SBTN and TNFD reflects this growing awareness and puts a focus on corporate responsibility for biodiversity.
According to the new standard for nature value inventory, invasive species should also be noted, providing a more comprehensive basis for designing action plans. If the Swedish list of invasive species proposed to the government goes through, we can expect a further boost on the subject. It will also give us a clearer regulatory framework for the management of our most common invasive species.
Five measures to combat invasive species
Find out which invasive species are present on or near your company's land holdings and how your activities risk spreading invasive species.
Be informed or assist in any control efforts to prevent the species from spreading further.
Reconsider the choice of plants when building or restoring, for example. There is often a lot of focus on the species that are the worst today, but many plants that are common in our parks and gardens are at risk of becoming invasive in the long term with climate change.
The most time- and cost-effective approach is to put some extra resources into preventing invasive species from taking hold in the first place. Once a species becomes established and starts spreading, it becomes more costly and difficult to remove.
Work in a coordinated way: it is no use taking action against an invasive plant on your property if the species is also present on your neighbor's property. Make sure that the entire population is controlled in one action and that the work against invasive species is coordinated among all those working on a site.
Ecogain offers services related to invasive species. We map risks of spread, develop action plans and conduct field trials. Do not hesitate to contact us!