A5 Invasive alien species overwhelmingly 
undermine good quality of life (established but 
incomplete) {4.5, 4.6.3}. Invasive alien species can 
threaten livelihoods, water and food security, economies 
and human health (e.g., causing diseases, allergies and 
physical injuries) (Figure SPM.3) (well established) {4.5.1, 
4.5.1.3}, with 85 per cent of the documented impacts of 
invasive alien species on good quality of life being negative
(Figure SPM.3) (well established) {4.5.1}. Invasive alien 
species can also serve as vectors for infectious zoonotic 
diseases that can lead to epidemics, such as malaria, 
dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever and West Nile 
fever, which are transmitted by invasive mosquito species 
(e.g., Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegyptii) (well 
established) {Box 1.14, 4.5.1.3}. Invasive alien plants can 
impact human health directly, particularly through the 
production of highly allergenic pollen, for example, Prosopis 
juliflora (mesquite) and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common 
ragweed) (well established) {4.5.1.3}. Indigenous Peoples 
and local communities, ethnic minorities, migrants, poor 
rural and urban communities are disproportionately 
impacted by invasive alien vector-borne diseases 
(established but incomplete) {4.5.1}. Although there is 
limited research on the interplay between gender relations 
and invasive alien species (established but incomplete)
{4.5.1, 4.7.2}, there is some evidence of inequities and 
marginalization in gender- and age-specific activities where 
invasive alien species impede access to natural resources 
or require management (established but incomplete) {4.5.1, 
5.2, 5.2.1, 5.5.5}. For example, in Lake Victoria artisanal 
fisheries mainly involving men have declined following the 
introduction, establishment and spread of the invasive alien 
plant Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth), which has led 
to the depletion of tilapia (established but incomplete)
 <Section-header> A5  </Section-header> 

SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
19SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
BACKGROUND
A5 