Why does Europe need a strategy on invasive alien species?
Introductions in Europe and the Mediterranean basin started in ancient times. In some cases, the impacts on native ecosystems occurred so long ago that we hardly perceive the effects on the region s biodiversity. But although the history of species introductions in Europe is very ancient, the phenomenon has grown rapidly in recent times as a result of increasing globalization (trade, transport, tourism). In addition, climate change affects the abundance and spread of invasive alien species and the vulnerability of ecosystems to invasions.
