Where to invade next: Inaction on biological invasions threatens sustainability in a small island developing state of the tropic

Abstract

The South Pacific region is a hotspot of biodiversity but also has the world´s highest concentration of invasive alien plant species. Although the issue of biological invasions has been increasingly acknowledged by local governments and international agreements, invasive alien species are often not monitored properly. Knowledge of the potential impact of invasive alien species regularly does not result in on-the-ground action, adding to the growing extinction threat. This inaction persists despite international and national efforts for sustainable use and nature conservation of terrestrial biodiversity in the region's Small Island Developing States. We illustrate this problem with two relatively recent biological invaders in Fiji: the ivory cane palm (Pinanga coronata) and the green iguana (Iguana iguana). We use these examples to examine the potential consequences of continuing inaction, despite awareness in relevant government departments, for native forest biodiversity and human livelihoods. Through an examination of the institutional background, we discuss steps towards good governance and sustainable development of terrestrial biodiversity in the Small Island Developing States of the tropical South Pacific, where on-the-ground action to control, eradicate and prevent invasive alien species is desperately needed.