Iberia is “biological invasion hotspot” – The Portugal News

Report on Biological Invasions in the Iberian Peninsula and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

A recent study has identified the Iberian Peninsula as a global hotspot for biological invasions, with 1,273 established non-native species. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to regional biodiversity and undermines progress towards several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced management strategies, international cooperation, and public engagement to mitigate the adverse impacts on ecosystems, economies, and public health.

2.0 Regional Impact Assessment and Link to SDG 11

The distribution of invasive alien species (IAS) is heavily concentrated in areas of high human activity, directly challenging the objectives of SDG 11 to create sustainable and resilient urban environments.

• Total Established Species: 1,273 across the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar).
• National Distribution:
  • Spain: 1,034 species
  • Portugal: 616 species
• Invasion Hotspots: Coastal and urban areas exhibit the highest density of non-native species, compromising local biodiversity and the natural heritage that SDG 11.4 seeks to protect. Key affected urban regions include Lisbon, Coimbra, Catalonia, and Andalusia.

3.0 Threats to Sustainable Development Goals

The proliferation of IAS creates multifaceted challenges that impede the achievement of critical SDGs. The impacts extend beyond environmental degradation to affect economic stability and human well-being.

• SDG 15 (Life on Land) & SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The primary impact is on biodiversity. IAS are a leading driver of species extinction and ecosystem degradation, directly contravening Target 15.8, which calls for measures to prevent and reduce the impact of invasive species on land and water ecosystems.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Significant economic losses are incurred in sectors such as agriculture and fishing, threatening livelihoods and local economies that depend on these natural resources.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Certain invasive species pose direct risks to public health, acting as vectors for disease or causing other health-related issues.

4.0 Composition and Pathways of Invasion

Understanding the types of invasive species and their introduction pathways is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies aligned with sustainable consumption and production patterns.

4.1 Major Groups of Invasive Species

• Vascular Plants: 727 species
• Insects: 228 species
• Crustaceans: 58 species
• Other Invertebrates: 55 species
• Molluscs: 46 species

4.2 Primary Introduction Pathways

The study identifies that invasions are predominantly linked to human commercial and recreational activities, including escapes from:

• Gardening and nurseries
• Aquariums
• The pet trade

5.0 Strategic Recommendations for Achieving SDG Targets

To address the threat of biological invasions and advance the 2030 Agenda, the study proposes a multi-pronged approach rooted in prevention, innovation, and collaboration.

1. Strengthen Prevention Measures: Implement robust border controls and diligent monitoring of trade and transport routes. This action directly supports the fulfillment of SDG Target 15.8.
2. Enhance Early Detection and Rapid Response: Utilize innovative tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and promote citizen science initiatives. Engaging the public fosters a sense of shared responsibility for protecting local ecosystems, contributing to SDG 11.
3. Foster International Cooperation (SDG 17): Reinforce partnerships between the countries of the Iberian Peninsula. A coordinated, cross-border strategy is essential for managing shared ecosystems and preventing new invasions, embodying the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   This is the most directly relevant SDG. The article’s central theme is the invasion of non-native (exotic) species on the Iberian Peninsula, which is a primary threat to terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. The text explicitly states that these species “harm biodiversity.”

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   The article mentions the invasion of aquatic ecosystems by identifying “58 non-native crustaceans” and “46 species” of molluscs. It also notes that invasive species can cause “losses in… fishing,” directly linking the issue to the health and economic viability of aquatic environments.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article highlights that “Coastal and urban areas, where population density and human activity are more intense, are the most invaded locations.” It names Lisbon, Coimbra, Catalonia, and Andalusia as hotspots. This connects the problem of biological invasions to the sustainability and environmental health of human settlements.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   The study concludes that “strengthening international cooperation between the countries of the Iberian Peninsula is also a strategy to prevent exotic invasions.” This directly calls for partnerships to achieve a common environmental goal, which is the core principle of SDG 17.

5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article mentions that invasive species can “affect public health.” Researcher Ronaldo Sousa is quoted as saying they can pose “risks to public health,” establishing a clear, though not detailed, link to this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG Target 15.8

  “By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.”

  The entire article is focused on this target. It quantifies the problem (1,273 introduced species) and explicitly recommends measures to address it, such as the need to “prevent the invasion of exotic species through border controls and monitoring of trade and transport,” and to “detect new species early and respond quickly.”

• SDG Target 14.2

  “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.”

  The article’s identification of invasive crustaceans and molluscs, the impact on fishing, and the concentration of invasions in “coastal… areas” directly relate to protecting coastal ecosystems from the “significant adverse impacts” of these species.

• SDG Target 11.4

  “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”

  The article’s focus on biodiversity loss in specific urban and coastal regions like Lisbon and Catalonia connects to this target. The native biodiversity of these areas is a form of natural heritage that is being threatened by the 1,273 introduced species.

• SDG Target 17.16

  “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.”

  The recommendation for “strengthening international cooperation between the countries of the Iberian Peninsula” is a direct call for a regional partnership to share knowledge and coordinate strategies, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators:

• Indicator for Target 15.8: Number of established invasive alien species.

  The article provides precise figures that can serve as a baseline for this indicator:

  • 1,273 introduced species in the Iberian Peninsula.
  • 616 non-native species in Portugal.
  • 1,034 exotic species in Spain.
  • Breakdown by type: 727 vascular plants, 228 insects, 58 crustaceans, etc.

• Indicator for Target 15.8: Adoption of national legislation and adequacy of institutional frameworks relevant to preventing the introduction and managing invasive alien species.

  This is implied by the article’s recommendations. Progress could be measured by tracking the implementation of:

  • “border controls.”
  • “monitoring of trade and transport.”
  • Policies for “early detection and rapid response.”

• Indicator for Target 17.16: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.

  This is implied by the call for international cooperation. A specific indicator for the region would be the establishment and effectiveness of a formal cooperative agreement between Portugal, Spain, Andorra, and Gibraltar on managing invasive species.

• Indicator for Target 15.8: Use of innovative tools and citizen engagement.

  The article suggests measuring the adoption and use of “innovative tools, such as environmental DNA and citizen science.” An indicator could be the number of citizen science projects initiated or the frequency of eDNA use in monitoring programs.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: theportugalnews.com