Why is News :
- Global shifts in trade alliances and tariff changes are opening doors to invasive alien species (IAS). India, with expanding trade routes and limited biosecurity infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable.
What are Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?
- IAS are non-native organisms introduced—intentionally or unintentionally—into ecosystems where they disrupt native biodiversity, agriculture, public health, and local economies.
Key Examples in India
- Giant African Snail: Introduced in colonial Calcutta (1847); now widespread, damaging crops and spreading parasites (e.g., rat lungworm).
- Parthenium hysterophorus: Entered India through contaminated wheat under the U.S. PL-480 programme; now widespread
- Tilapia, Gambusia, Guppies: Introduced for food and biocontrol, but now outcompeting native species.
- Yellow fever mosquito: The costliest semi-aquatic IAS with huge public health and financial implications.
The Trade–Invasion Nexus
- Since the 1800s, global trade has led to a 20x increase in alien species.
- Trade agreements rose from 5,700 trade pairs (1948) to over 34,000 (2000s).
IAS can enter through:
- Ornamental and pet trade
- Biofouling and ballast water in ships (e.g., Asian paddle crab)
- Biocontrol efforts gone wrong (e.g., cane toads, mosquitofish)
India’s Vulnerabilities
- One of the top importers/exporters of exotic species.
- Poor quarantine practices, underdeveloped infrastructure, and fragmented policies.
- Trade policy prioritizes economic ties over biosecurity.
- Projected tripling of freight movement by 2050 will increase IAS risk further.
Economic and Ecological Costs
- India has lost $127.3 billion (₹830 crore) due to IAS over 60 years (2nd highest globally).
- Yet, impacts are underreported—only 3% of ~2000 IAS studied for economic impact.
- Aquatic IAS are costlier than terrestrial ones—impacting health, water infrastructure, and fisheries.
Policy Gaps
- Weak enforcement of biosafety at ports.
- Absence of post-trade biological assessments.
- Lack of a dedicated national institution for IAS monitoring and response.
Way Forward: “One Biosecurity” Approach
- Strengthen border biosecurity at air, sea, and land entry points.
- Mandatory post–import impact assessments in quarantine facilities.
- Real-time species-tracking systems using AI and data analytics.
- Inter-agency collaboration: MoEFCC, ICAR, Customs, Trade, Public Health.
- Climate-based risk modelling to forecast IAS threats under warming scenarios.
- Public awareness and community-led invasive species reporting.
- Launch a national invasive species registry linked to the Environment Ministry.
| UPSC Relevance : GS2 – International RelationsImpact of trade deals and globalisation on domestic ecological security; Bilateral issues from IAS transfer across borders (e.g., plant pathogens, ballast water). GS3 – EnvironmentBiodiversity conservation; Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on ecosystems; IAS as a threat to sustainable agriculture, food security, and ecosystem resilience Possible ESSAY Topic :“Trade Without Biosecurity: The Silent Invasion Threatening India’s Ecosystems” |