ABSTRACT
The issue of invasive alien species is usually considered primarily a biological concern. But the problem is better seen as an expression of human culture, based on the sense of place that many people have, enlightened self-interest, and basic issues of economics and health. Support for this human perspective comes from four main directions. First, virtually all our planet’s ecosystems have a strong and increasing anthropogenic component that is being fed by growing globalization of the economy and society; both people and goods are now moving freely and rapidly across the planet. Second, people are designing the kinds of ecosystems they find productive or congenial, with immigrants often bringing species with them from their native lands. Third, growing travel and trade, coupled with weakening customs’ and quarantine controls, enable people to introduce – both inadvertently and intentionally – alien species that may become invasive. Fourth, the issue has important philosophical dimensions, requiring people to examine fundamental ideas, such as ‘native’ and ‘natural’. The great increase in the introduction of non-native species that people are importing for economic, aesthetic, accidental or even psychological reasons is leading to more species invading native ecosystems, often with disastrous results: many become invasive alien species (IAS) that have significant deleterious effects on both ecosystems and economies. This chapter examines some of the important human dimensions of the IAS problem, including historical, economic, cultural, philosophical and political issues. These are addressed in terms of the causes, consequences and responses to the problem of IAS. This introduction shows that successfully addressing the problem of species invasions will call for greater collaboration between economic sectors and among a wide range of disciplines. The Convention on Biological Diversity and many other international agreements offer important opportunities for addressing the complex global problems of IAS through improved international cooperation in what boils down to an ethical issue: the conservation of native biodiversity.
