Consider a slightly different resolution this New Year by putting the Welsh environment, economy and public health first!

You may be thinking “well, how can I help?”. We are eager to show you that it can be very easy to make small changes to support our local environment. By addressing one important issue, we can make significant positive changes. This can all be achieved by tackling invasive non-native species (invasive species) in Wales.

Invasive species have been introduced by humans, intentionally or unintentionally, beyond their natural range. Their spread threatens native biological diversity and can cause damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. 

The world has recently been discussing the climate crisis at COP26 in Glasgow. Did you know that there is also a biodiversity crisis? Climate change is one of the main drivers of changes in nature, including loss of biodiversity, but invasive species are also a driver!

In fact, Great Britain has over 190 invasive species, many of which threaten our native biodiversity, impact our health and cost the Welsh economy upwards of £125 million per year.

This still leaves us with an unanswered question: “how can I help?”. This is simple really, and we invite you to make a slightly different resolution this New Year, such as:

• I will help tackle invasive species in Wales.
• I will be more biosecurity conscious (see below).

There are several ways that you can easily address both of these resolutions, without making considerable changes to your lifestyle.

Firstly, spread the word. Many people are aware of the risks of climate change, changes in land use (e.g. deforestation) and pollution; but fewer people understand the risks that invasive species pose. Start up a conversation about invasive species.

Next, try and get involved with a Local Action Group dealing with invasive species. Please contact one of our Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN) project officers if you are unable to find a group near you, or to find out if there are other opportunities to get involved.

Lastly, start thinking about biosecurity and understand its importance.

Biosecurity is about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive non-native species (and other harmful organisms such as diseases) in the wild. – GBNNSS

Practicing biosecurity can be as simple as brushing your boots after a muddy walk, to more dedicated approaches such as Check, Clean and Dry.

Both of these resolutions are an example of how you can make small changes to make a BIG difference to protect our local biodiversity. Which one will you choose?

We look forward to helping you achieve your New Year’s resolution with our invasive species campaign in 2022. We’ll be engaging with people across Wales to raise awareness of invasive species. Keep an eye out for updates on the WaREN webpage.

Happy holidays to all and a very happy New Year ahead, from the WaREN team!

Resources:

• England Biodiversity Indicators 2021
• GB Non-Native Species Secretariat
• IPBES 
• Cost of Invasive Species GB

• Convention on Biological Diversity Glossary of Terms

• GB Non-Native Species Secretariat

• GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Definition of Terms

• Wales Biodiversity Partnership