Biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being, planetary health, and economic prosperity around the world. Yet, it is facing an unprecedented crisis: nearly one million species are at risk of extinction. The current extinction rate is already tens to hundreds of times greater than the average over the past ten million years—and this rate is accelerating.
In response to this urgent situation, the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted on December 19, 2022, during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This landmark agreement aims to halt the alarming loss of biodiversity and drive global efforts to restore nature.
The Framework includes four long-term goals to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, alongside twenty-three specific global targets set for achievement by 2030. These ambitious targets are grouped under three key themes: (1) reducing threats to biodiversity (Targets 1-8); (2) meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing (Targets 9-13); and (3) tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming (Targets 14-23).
Here is the TARGET 6:
“Eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species, preventing the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species, reducing the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50 per cent by 2030, and eradicating or controlling invasive alien species, especially in priority sites, such as islands.”
Target 6 recognises the significant threat that invasive alien species (IAS) pose to biodiversity worldwide. Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete indigenous flora and fauna, and alter the structure and function of habitats. This can lead to declines or extinctions of native species, loss of ecosystem services, and negative impacts on local economies and livelihoods.
To address these challenges, Target 6 outlines a comprehensive approach. It emphasises the importance of identifying and managing the pathways through which invasive species are introduced—such as global trade, transportation, horticulture, and tourism. By strengthening border controls, improving surveillance, and increasing public awareness, countries can significantly reduce the likelihood of new invasions.
Prevention is highlighted as the most cost-effective and efficient strategy. This involves not only blocking the introduction of priority invasive species but also taking proactive measures to prevent the establishment and spread of other known or potential IAS. The target sets a concrete ambition: to reduce the rates of introduction and establishment of these species by at least 50% by 2030.
For species that have already become established, Target 6 calls for eradication or effective control, particularly in ecologically sensitive or high-value areas such as islands. Islands are especially vulnerable to invasive species because their native species often lack natural defences against new predators or competitors. Successful eradication or control efforts can help restore native ecosystems, protect threatened species, and maintain critical ecosystem services.
Achieving Target 6 will require coordinated international action, investment in research and monitoring, and the engagement of stakeholders at all levels—from governments and scientists to local communities and the private sector. By working together, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species and make significant progress towards halting biodiversity loss.
