THE THEMATIC ASSESSMENT REPORT ON INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AND THEIR CONTROL
42SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
knowledge across geographic regions, habitats and 
taxonomic groups and reduce the wide variation in response 
capability (established but incomplete) {6.2.3.3, 6.4.1, 
6.7.2.6}. Through citizen science, information systems have 
the potential to engage people, raise awareness and 
increase the availability of data (established but 
incomplete) {6.6.2.1}.
D32 Existing evidence of the magnitude and extent 
of the impacts of invasive alien species supports 
immediate, strategic and sustained action to 
successfully address biological invasions (well 
established) {1.1, 2.2, 3.6.3, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 4.5.1, 
5.6.2.5, 6.7.2}. The available data and knowledge 
reviewed for this assessment vary across regions, units of 
analyses, taxonomic groups and time because of language 
barriers, lack of targeted policies and legislation, lack of 
resources, uneven research capacity, data accessibility and 
other factors (Table SPM.A1), contributing to gaps in data 
and knowledge (well established) {2.7, 3.6.1, Box 3.12, Box 
3.13, 4.7.2, 6.6, Table 6.10}. Nonetheless, filling knowledge 
and data gaps, particularly at local scales, can bring about 
important improvements in the cost-effectiveness and 
success of prevention and management actions (well 
established) {6.6.1, 6.6.2}. For example, it would be 
particularly beneficial to increase the availability of 
information on invasive alien invertebrates and 
microorganisms; improve knowledge of the impacts of 
invasive alien species in parts of Africa, Central Asia and 
Latin America; gain a better understanding of the role of 
indirect and interacting drivers; develop management 
options for invasive microorganisms and marine species; 
and establish the effectiveness of different policy instruments 
(established but incomplete) (see Table SPM.A1 for a 
comprehensive presentation of knowledge gaps). Enhancing 
research capacity in some regions and collaboration 
between biological invasion experts in the developed and 
developing world and across knowledge systems could 
improve data and information availability as well as 
understanding of the context-specific features of invasive 
alien species and their impacts (established but incomplete)
{6.2.4, 6.6.1.1(3)}. With political will, strategic long-term 
commitment and sufficient resources, management of 
biological invasions is an attainable goal (well established)
{Boxes 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 
5.15, 5.16, 5.17, 5.19, 5.21, 6.7.3}.
D33 Successfully addressing biological invasions 
can also strengthen the effectiveness of policies 
designed to respond to other drivers (established 
but incomplete) {5.6.1.3, 6.3, 6.7.2.2}. Mitigating the 
risks of invasive alien species will contribute to the effective 
delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 
including the Sustainable Development Goals, especially 
those addressing the conservation of marine (Goal 14) and 
terrestrial biodiversity (Goal 15 including, but not restricted 
to, Target 15.8), food security (Goal 2), sustainable 
economic growth (Goal 8), sustainable cities (Goal 11), 
climate change (Goal 13), and good health and well-being 
(Goal 3) (established but incomplete) {6.7}. An integrated 
governance approach that acknowledges the interactions 
between invasive alien species and other drivers, including 
climate change, direct exploitation of natural resources, 
pollution and land- and sea-use, alongside human, animal 
and plant health, can identify where to best direct policy 
alignment and mutually supportive efforts (established but 
incomplete) {3.1.5, 6.2.4, 6.7.2.1, 6.7.2.2, 6.7.2.5}. 
Evidence-based policy planning can reflect the 
interconnectedness of the drivers so that efforts to solve one 
problem do not exacerbate the magnitude of others and 
may even have multiple benefits (established but 
incomplete) {3.2.5, Box 3.9, 5.6.1.3, 6.2.4, 6.3.1.1(1), 
6.7.2.2}.
SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
19SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
BACKGROUND
Table SPM 2 Options for strengthening the governance of biological invasions at national, 
regional and global scales. 