Aliens with no borders

Alien species – organisms transported by man intentionally or accidentally outside their natural ranges - are growing exponentially in all taxonomic groups, in all environments and in every region of the world, causing increasing impacts on biodiversity and on humans well-being. The scientific data collected in recent decades show that biological invasions are among the main factors of biodiversity loss and represent the leading cause of extinction of animal species in the world. Furthermore, invasive alien species have dramatic effects on the life of many communities, especially in the most vulnerable areas of the world, with impacts on people's health too, causing costs of hundreds of billions of euros. This phenomenon, which has exploded over the last two centuries, is closely linked to the globalization of economies and the consequent increase in transport, trade and tourism. Preventing and mitigating the impacts of the most harmful alien species is essential to protect the planet's biodiversity and to ensure the sustainable development of our societies. For this reason it is urgent to adopt stringent biosecurity policies and to promote more responsible behaviours by all the different sectors of society.

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