Why is the Issue of Invasive Alien Species Important?
Impacts from invasive alien species can negatively affect multiple aspects of Antigua and Barbuda society, both directly and indirectly.
What is An Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of interacting organisms and their environment. Living things interact with each other and also with non-living things like soil, water and air.
What Are Invasive Alien Species?
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are any organism that once introduced to a new environment, prove difficult for the native species to cohabitate with.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life, that is the variety of species of plants and animals.
IAS TV
IAS - Lethal Yellowing Hoppers
The Department of Environment has launched the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project to manage the risks and costs of IAS on important ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Antigua and Barbuda.
IAS - Lion Fish
The Department of Environment has launched the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project to manage the risks and costs of IAS on important ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Antigua and Barbuda.
IAS - Giant African Snail
The Department of Environment has launched the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project to manage the risks and costs of IAS on important ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Antigua and Barbuda.
IAS - Southern Cattail
The Department of Environment has launched the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project to manage the risks and costs of IAS on important ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ambassador - Diann Black Layne
Escalating international trade is moving increasing numbers of organisms more rapidly around the world, thereby increasing the threat of harmful impacts by these species on native ecosystems and human economic interests. The government’s effort to prevent unwanted invasions is being overwhelmed. It must be noted that the acceleration of climate change has in turn also increased the incidence of the invasive alien species negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, threatening human health and life quality.
What is NISSAP?
The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2030 (NISSAP) was prepared for the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, with the Department of Environment charged with the responsibility of oversight, to assist with the planning and development.
Project Coordinator - Joseph Prosper
Invasive alien species are considered to be one of the most important causes of biodiversity loss and changes in the ecosystem services while threatening biodiversity for the last four centuries. They have continued to affect several countries and regions to a great extent, as human mobility has gained momentum with the advances of technology, globalization, and transportation. Invasive alien species refer to species which are introduced accidentally or deliberately into an ecosystem where they are not normally found and dominate the ecosystem by affecting biodiversity directly or indirectly, within a specific period.
Background of the IAS Project
The project goal is to manage the risks and costs of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on important ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Antigua and Barbuda.