ABSTRACT
Public perception and attitude towards biodiversity issues are still poorly understood. Such an understanding is however critical to effectively tackle the many threats to biodiversity as those produced by invasive alien species (IAS). Perception of the negative impacts exerted by IAS differs greatly among stakeholder groups and the attitude towards their introduction and eradication varies accordingly. Here I will discuss this disparity of views and its effects with a focus on the European countries of the Mediterranean. Particularly in this region, the lack of cohesion between scientific researchers, the general public, the economic sector and policy makers may be at the root of the failure to develop and implement effective management measures. On the contrary, a direct participation by an informed and motivated public will play a critical role in finding adaptive solutions to the problems generated by IAS.
