The Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS) – Nature

Report on the Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS) and its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing Invasive Alien Species in the Context of Sustainable Development

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a primary driver of global biodiversity loss, posing significant threats to ecosystems, economies, and human health. This challenge directly impedes the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by degrading terrestrial and marine habitats. Furthermore, IAS impact SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by affecting agriculture and fisheries, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by introducing pathogens and disease vectors, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by causing socioeconomic damage. In response to these challenges, the Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS) has been established as an open-access online dataset. It serves as a critical tool for monitoring and managing IAS in Cyprus, thereby supporting national and international efforts to meet sustainability targets.

Database Objectives and Alignment with Global Goals

The CyDAS initiative is designed to provide comprehensive informational resources that support policy and management decisions. Its objectives are intrinsically linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Primary Objectives of CyDAS

1. To catalogue and expand knowledge on the taxonomy, distribution, habitats, and impacts of alien species in Cyprus.
2. To facilitate the development of early warning and rapid response systems to mitigate the spread and impact of IAS, directly supporting SDG Target 15.8.
3. To raise public awareness of the risks posed by IAS, fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.
4. To enhance public participation in biological invasion surveys, promoting citizen science as a tool for data collection and monitoring, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
5. To provide up-to-date information to inform IAS policy, aligning with frameworks such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Methodology and Data Framework

The CyDAS dataset was developed through a multi-stage, collaborative process, ensuring data robustness and standardization, which is crucial for effective policy implementation under the SDGs.

Data Collection and Evolution

The database originated as the Cyprus Invasive Alien Species (CY.I.A.S) inventory, initiated through a COST Action. Data were compiled from published literature, online databases such as DAISIE and EASIN, and expert consultations. The inventory was subsequently expanded and standardized under the Researching the Invasive Species of Kýpros (RIS-Ký) project, evolving into the current CyDAS platform. This collaborative approach exemplifies the principles of SDG 17 by pooling resources and expertise across institutions.

Data Structure and Standardization

For each of the 1,293 taxa recorded by the end of December 2023, the database provides standardized information on:

• Taxonomy and classification
• Distribution and habitat (following the EUNIS Habitat Classification Scheme)
• Introduction pathways (following the Convention on Biological Diversity classification)
• Establishment status and impacts
• Relevant scientific literature and data sources

Key Findings and Analysis

Inventory Summary

As of December 2023, the CyDAS inventory includes 1,293 taxa. Of these, 1,101 (85.1%) are classified as truly alien, 143 (11.1%) are cryptogenic (of unknown origin), and 49 (3.8%) are of questionable status. Approximately 48% of the truly alien species are reported as established, posing a persistent threat to local ecosystems and undermining SDG 15 and SDG 14.

Habitat and Pathway Analysis

The data reveal distinct patterns in habitat invasion and introduction pathways, which are critical for targeted management strategies.

• Habitats: Alien vertebrates are predominantly marine organisms, impacting Life Below Water (SDG 14). Alien vascular plants are most common in agricultural and anthropogenic landscapes, affecting land use and biodiversity (SDG 15).
• Pathways: The primary introduction pathways are escape from confinement (e.g., agriculture, horticulture), transportation as contaminants, and unaided spread, particularly for marine species via interconnected waterways like the Suez Canal. These pathways highlight the link between global trade, economic activity (SDG 8), and environmental degradation.

Temporal Trends

The cumulative number of alien species has increased exponentially since the 1860s, with a notable acceleration after the 1950s. This trend correlates with intensified international commerce and transportation, demonstrating how globalization can exacerbate environmental pressures and challenge the sustainability of ecosystems.

Strategic Importance and Future Directions

Supporting Evidence-Based Policy for SDG Achievement

CyDAS is an essential resource for national authorities to report on progress towards biodiversity targets, including the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal to reduce the introduction of IAS by 50%. By providing reliable, open-access data, the database enables risk assessments and the prioritization of conservation actions needed to safeguard native biodiversity and protect economic sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 15.

Limitations and Knowledge Gaps

Despite its comprehensive nature, the database faces several limitations that reflect broader challenges in conservation science:

• A shortage of taxonomic experts for certain groups, hindering identification and monitoring.
• Inconsistencies in taxonomic classifications across different global databases.
• Knowledge gaps regarding introduction pathways and the specific impacts of many alien species.
• The absence of a centralized, island-wide biological records centre.
• Geopolitical constraints that impede island-wide collaboration and policy implementation.

Addressing these gaps is crucial for strengthening the evidence base needed to fully achieve SDG 14, SDG 15, and related targets. Continued investment in taxonomic expertise, standardized monitoring protocols, and cross-border scientific collaboration, as advocated by SDG 17, is essential for the long-term success of this initiative.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article on the Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS) addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to the cross-cutting nature of invasive alien species (IAS) and their impact on ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.

• SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most directly relevant SDG. The article’s central theme is the threat of IAS to biodiversity, a core component of SDG 15. It explicitly states that IAS are a “direct driver of global biodiversity loss” and discusses their impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in Cyprus. The CyDAS database is a tool created to catalogue, monitor, and manage these species to protect native biodiversity and habitats.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The article clearly connects to this goal by including “marine introduced taxa” in its scope. It mentions the CyDAS dataset covers 1,293 terrestrial, freshwater, and “marine” species. It also notes the impact of IAS on fisheries and discusses the introduction of marine aliens through the Suez Canal, directly addressing the protection of marine ecosystems from invasive species.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article establishes a link to public health by stating that IAS can affect “human health.” It further supports this by mentioning the re-detection of Aedes aegypti, a mosquito known for transmitting diseases. The database’s aim to “help develop and enhance early warning and rapid response systems” directly contributes to managing health risks posed by such invasive vectors.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The creation and maintenance of the CyDAS database embody the principles of partnership and collaboration. The article describes CyDAS as an “openly accessible, online dataset” and encourages “other researchers and decision-makers to provide information on IAS.” It also highlights its development through collaborative efforts like the COST Action and its goal to “strengthen and enhance engagement and public participation,” which aligns with fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.

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

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. 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.
   • Explanation: The entire article is dedicated to this target. The CyDAS database is presented as a foundational tool to achieve this by creating “up-to-date alien species inventories” to “inform policy and management decisions.” The article also references the “Global Biodiversity Framework Target 6 to ‘Reduce the Introduction of Invasive Alien Species by 50% and Minimize Their Impact’,” which is a direct continuation of the ambition set out in Target 15.8.
2. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • Explanation: The article’s premise is that IAS are a “main driver of biodiversity loss.” By cataloguing and providing data to manage IAS, the CyDAS project directly contributes to actions aimed at halting this loss and protecting native species and their habitats from the pressures exerted by invaders.
3. 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.
   • Explanation: The database includes a significant number of marine alien species (254 are mentioned). By monitoring these species, the CyDAS provides essential data for managing and protecting the marine ecosystems of Cyprus from the “bioinvasion impacts on biodiversity” in the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
   • Explanation: The article mentions that one of the aims of CyDAS is to “help develop early warning and rapid response systems.” This is directly relevant to health risks, as exemplified by the mention of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a vector for diseases. The database serves as a tool for monitoring such species, enabling a quicker response to potential public health threats.
5. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
   • Explanation: The article states that CyDAS aims to “raise public awareness” and “strengthen and enhance public participation in surveys.” This focus on citizen engagement and collaboration with researchers, government officials, and the public reflects the goal of building effective partnerships to tackle complex environmental challenges.

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

While the article does not cite official SDG indicator codes, it provides substantial data and describes systems that function as de facto indicators for measuring progress.

• Number of invasive alien species catalogued and monitored: The article states that the CyDAS database includes information on “1,293 terrestrial, freshwater and marine introduced taxa.” The size and comprehensiveness of this inventory serve as a direct indicator of the national capacity to monitor the IAS threat (relevant to Target 15.8).
• Rate of introduction of new alien species: The article presents graphs (Fig. 7 and 8) showing the “cumulative number of alien species” over time and the number of introductions per year. This temporal data is a crucial indicator for assessing whether measures to “prevent the introduction” of new IAS are effective. A declining rate would indicate progress.
• Establishment status of alien species: The article provides a breakdown of the establishment status, noting that “Almost half (48%) of the ‘truly’ alien species on the island are reported as established.” Tracking this percentage over time can indicate the success of early warning and rapid response systems in preventing newly arrived species from establishing permanent populations.
• Adoption of policies and management plans informed by data: The article states that CyDAS aims to “inform IAS policy” and assist with reporting for the “EU IAS Regulation, EU Biodiversity Strategy, EU Nature Restoration Plan and the Global Biodiversity Framework.” The use of this database by government officials to create and implement management plans for priority species (such as *Acacia saligna* or *Procambarus clarkii*, which are mentioned) is a key indicator of progress towards Target 15.8.
• Level of public participation and data contribution: The article’s call for “public participation” and contributions from “researchers and decision-makers” implies that the level of engagement and the number of new records submitted by the public or other stakeholders can be used as an indicator for Target 17.17.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com