Control of widespread invasive alien species requires sustained, 
large-scale efforts but can lead to improvement in the provision 
of a range of nature's contributions to people {Box 5.19}. 
Certain invasive alien plants, such as shrubs and trees, can 
reduce water availability, especially in scenarios of increasing 
drought caused by climate change {Box 5.4}. In South Africa, 
the Working for Water programme, an Expanded Public 
Works Programme, was introduced in 1995 and targeted 
historically disadvantaged communities, primarily women, 
youth and disabled people, creating jobs to reduce poverty 
nationally through the removal of widespread woody invasive 
SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
19SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS
BACKGROUND
Box SPM 4 Working for Water programme: an example of management of invasive alien 
species leading to recovery of nature's contributions to people.