NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- International scientists who attended a two-day conference in Nairobi on tackling invasive species in Africa have developed a roadmap aimed at minimizing the spread and impact of the menace.
In a joint statement released in Nairobi on Friday, the scientists noted that the invasive species threaten the achievement of eight of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called on governments to put emphasis on wider awareness.
"Governments must begin to tackle this problem by addressing its wholesome impact as opposed to putting emphasis on the economic losses it poses," they said.
The scientists called for the deployment of biological control and other sustainable management options through a coordinated operation that involves governments, pan-Africa organizations such as the African Union, and regional organizations like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Economic Community of West Africa States, and the East African Community.
They noted that fragmented efforts in the past have not changed the situation, and that countries need to learn from successful partnership initiatives in finding lasting solution.
Segenet Kelemu, the director general of the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), said governments too need to reinforce their sanitary and phytosanitary measures and focus on both exports and imports by strengthening of existing coordination structures.
"Control of both imports and exports is highly important because most invasive species we have in the country today have found their way in the continent due to weak monitoring," Kelemu said.
She said the introduction of invasive species is likely to distort already established Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that had cost millions of dollars to set up.
The scientists recommended harmonization of regulatory frameworks, improvement on early warning systems, integration of invasive species to national disaster response units, and offering incentives to help retain researchers.
The researchers agreed to effectively start translating research findings to policy-makers for consideration in national budgetary allocations.
Africa is home to over 100 invasive species that are unfortunately increasing due to climate change, trade and tourism.