|
Introduction Invasive Alien Species: The Nature of the Problem Invasive Pathways and
Prevention: The North American Great Lakes as a Case Study Australian Perspectives on
Marine Bio-security and the Role of Risk Assessment Infectious Diseases and Disease Vectors as
Invasive Species: Public Health Perspectives Integrating
Disciplines, Datasets and Information Tools to Stop Invasives Invasive Species in
Eastern Africa: Regional Status, Initiatives, and Linkages Efforts to Stop Invasive Species in Southern
Africa The Role of Science in
Shaping International Policy on Invasive Species |
Efforts to Stop Invasive Species in Southern Africa
Connal Eardley
Plant Protection
Reseasrch Institute
Private Bag X134
Pretoria, 0001
South Africa
Telephone: (+27)
12-323-8540/8/9 or (+27) 12-803-0275
Fax: (+27) 12-325-6998
Email: Vrehcde@plant5.agric.za
Invasive species threaten many natural and managed ecosystems in southern Africa. SAFRINET, the Southern Africa (SADC) LOOP of BioNET-INTERNATIONAL, the Global Network for Taxonomy, has considerable potential to help address the threat of invasive species. By working to strengthen taxonomic capacity critical both to identifying invasive species and their natural enemies, and to documenting the impact of invasives on the region's biodiversity, SAFRINET (http://safrinet.ecoport.org/) creates an infrastructure of regional taxonomic capacity and information networks for applications to invasive species. SAFRINET also works to strengthen institutions and communication between them, and to carry out regional training. It is thus positioned to link taxonomic expertise to potential users of critical scientific information who are charged with protecting ecosystems, agriculture, etc. from the threats of invasives. SAFRINET is headquartered at the Plant Protection Research Institute in South Africa, an organization that also undertakes research on beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and micro-organisms like mycorrhizae, that are threatened by invasive species. It is involved in capacity building for quarantine and for information technology networks, like SAFRINET, both of which are necessary for effective prevention of invasions.