Invasive Species: Nature’s Troublemakers | UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog – UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

Report on the Impact of Invasive Species on Sustainable Development in California

Introduction: Invasive Species as a Barrier to Sustainable Development Goals

California’s significant biological diversity is under severe threat from invasive species, which impede progress toward several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These species inflict widespread environmental damage, disrupting ecosystems, threatening native wildlife, and compromising natural resources. Addressing the challenge of invasive species is therefore critical for the achievement of SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) within the state.

Ecological Disruption and its Relation to SDGs

Case Study: Yellow Starthistle (YST)

The yellow starthistle (YST) serves as a prime example of the cascading negative impacts of an invasive plant on sustainability targets. Its proliferation across millions of acres in California directly undermines specific SDG objectives.

• Impact on SDG 15 (Life on Land): YST forms dense, impenetrable stands that outcompete and displace native flora. This leads to a significant loss of biodiversity, as native wildlife dependent on these plants for sustenance and habitat are adversely affected. The displacement of native wildflowers also results in a decline in the diversity and population of native pollinators, further degrading terrestrial ecosystems.
• Impact on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The plant’s extensive taproot system aggressively depletes soil moisture, creating drought-like conditions for surrounding native vegetation and reducing water availability in regional watersheds. This directly threatens the sustainable management of water resources for both human consumption and ecosystem health.
• Impact on SDG 13 (Climate Action): At the end of its life cycle, dried YST becomes highly flammable, substantially increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. This exacerbates climate-related hazards and undermines efforts to build resilience to natural disasters.

Broad-Spectrum Threats to Sustainability

Beyond YST, other invasive species present significant challenges to achieving the SDGs:

1. Sudden Oak Death and Invasive Shothole Borers: These pathogens and pests devastate native forests, directly contravening the targets of SDG 15 aimed at halting deforestation and biodiversity loss.
2. Nutria and Golden Mussels: These aquatic invasive species disrupt freshwater ecosystems, impacting water infrastructure and native aquatic life. Their presence is a direct threat to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

A Framework for Action: Aligning Public Engagement with the SDGs

Human activity is the primary vector for the spread of invasive species, positioning public action as a cornerstone of mitigation strategies. Individual and community efforts can be framed as direct contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Responsible Recreation as a Contribution to SDG 15 and SDG 14

Preventative measures taken during recreational activities are essential to protect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

• Decontaminate Gear: Cleaning soil and seeds from shoes, clothing, and equipment after outdoor activities helps prevent the spread of invasive plants and pathogens, supporting SDG 15.
• Use Local Firewood: Purchasing and burning firewood locally prevents the transportation of invasive wood-boring insects, protecting forest health in line with SDG 15.
• Clean, Drain, and Dry Watercraft: Adhering to this protocol for boats and water recreation equipment is crucial for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, thereby protecting resources under SDG 14.

Community Involvement and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Community-level engagement, education, and citizen science are vital for effective management and align with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Engage with Local Programs: Collaborate with organizations like the UC Master Gardener Program and UC Environmental Stewards to gain and share knowledge on sustainable practices and invasive species management.
• Participate in Citizen Science: Utilize platforms such as iNaturalist and CalFlora to identify and report invasive species. This data provides critical support for management strategies that advance SDG 15.
• Report Pest Sightings: Formally reporting invasive species to authorities like the California Department of Food and Agriculture contributes to early detection and rapid response efforts.

Education and Awareness for Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

Informing and educating communities about the threats of invasive species fosters a collective sense of responsibility. Widespread awareness is fundamental to building sustainable and resilient communities (SDG 11) capable of protecting their local environments and contributing to global sustainability targets.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 15: Life on Land

This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text focuses on protecting California’s terrestrial ecosystems from the threats posed by invasive species. It directly discusses the need to halt biodiversity loss and degrade ecosystems, which is the core of SDG 15. The article states, “invasive species are among the biggest threats to our environment” and details how they “crowd out native plants,” harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems, all of which are central concerns of SDG 15.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article connects invasive species to water resources. It explains how yellow starthistle’s “long taproot depletes soil moisture so quickly” that it reduces the water “available for wildlife and people.” Furthermore, it mentions the threat of “invasive mussels” in aquatic environments, which directly impacts water-related ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 6’s goal to protect and restore these ecosystems.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article links invasive species to the safety and resilience of communities by highlighting their role in increasing the risk of natural disasters. It explicitly states that invasive species can increase “the likelihood of natural disasters like fires and floods.” For example, yellow starthistle “becomes highly flammable when it dries out at the end of summer and increases wildfire risk,” a direct threat to human settlements and infrastructure covered under SDG 11.

SDG 13: Climate Action

While not explicitly mentioning climate change, the article addresses resilience to climate-related hazards. The increased wildfire risk posed by invasive plants like yellow starthistle is a significant climate-related hazard. By calling for the management of these species, the article implicitly supports actions to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to such disasters, which is a key component of SDG 13.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article strongly emphasizes the role of education and public awareness in combating invasive species. It repeatedly calls for learning and community action, stating, “public awareness is key to protecting our natural resources” and “The more we learn about invasive species, the better equipped we are to prevent their spread.” It also promotes specific educational and volunteer programs like the UC Master Gardener and UC Environmental Stewards, directly supporting the goal of education for sustainable development.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 15.8: Prevent the introduction and reduce the impact of invasive alien species.

   This target is the central theme of the article. The text is dedicated to explaining the negative impacts of invasive species like yellow starthistle, sudden oak death, and nutria, and provides concrete actions for the public to “prevent their spread” and “address their impacts.” Actions like “PlayCleanGo,” “Don’t Move Firewood,” and “clean, drain, and dry” boating equipment are all measures aimed at achieving this target.

2. Target 15.5: Halt the loss of biodiversity and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   The article directly addresses this target by describing how invasive species lead to biodiversity loss. It notes that when yellow starthistle displaces native wildflowers, “the abundance and diversity of native pollinators decline.” This illustrates the degradation of natural habitats and the direct threat to native species, which this target aims to prevent.

3. Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.

   The mention of pests like “sudden oak death” and “invasive shothole borers” directly relates to the health and sustainable management of forests. The advice to “buy firewood where you plan to burn it” is a specific practice recommended to prevent the spread of “invasive wood-boring beetles and other forest pests,” contributing to the protection of forest ecosystems.

4. Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.

   The article supports this target by highlighting threats to both terrestrial and aquatic water systems. It explains how yellow starthistle depletes soil moisture, impacting the water cycle. It also warns against “invasive mussels or aquatic plants” that are transported by boating equipment, directly threatening the health of lakes and rivers.

5. Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and people affected by disasters.

   This target is addressed through the article’s warning that invasive species increase the risk of “natural disasters like fires and floods.” The specific example of highly flammable yellow starthistle increasing wildfire risk is a direct link to the kind of disaster this target seeks to mitigate.

6. Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.

   The article’s conclusion and calls to action are a clear embodiment of this target. Sections titled “Get Involved,” “Keep Learning,” and the final plea to “spread the word” advocate for education and public awareness as the primary tools for sustainable action. Promoting resources like the UC Master Gardener Program and iNaturalist are practical steps to equip citizens with the knowledge to protect their environment.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Area covered by invasive species

  The article implies this indicator by stating that yellow starthistle “has infested millions of acres across California.” Progress towards Target 15.8 could be measured by tracking the reduction or containment of this acreage over time.

• Abundance and diversity of native species

  The article mentions that where invasive plants take over, the “abundance and diversity of native pollinators decline.” This suggests that monitoring the populations of native plants, pollinators, and other wildlife in affected areas can serve as a direct indicator of progress towards Target 15.5 (halting biodiversity loss).

• Number of new invasive species introductions reported and managed

  The call to action to “Report invasive species you encounter” via the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s website implies that tracking the number of new reports and subsequent management actions is a key metric. This would measure the effectiveness of prevention and early detection efforts related to Target 15.8.

• Public participation in environmental stewardship programs

  The article encourages readers to “Become a UC Master Gardener volunteer” or get involved with “UC Environmental Stewards.” An implied indicator for Target 4.7 would be the number of individuals participating in these and similar community science and volunteer programs, reflecting the level of public engagement and education on the issue.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ucanr.edu