The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The move aims to address rising threats posed by invasive species to biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.
Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
Background
- The NGT initiated a suo motu case (O.A. No. 162/2023)
- It highlighted: Severe ecological risks of invasive species
- Directed NBA to: Conduct a comprehensive national-level study
- Additional push from: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Legal Basis
- Committee constituted under: Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023)
This Act provides the framework for:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of biological resources
- Equitable benefit sharing
Key Objectives of the Committee
The committee has been mandated to:
1. National Assessment
- Prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species
- Based on: State-wise inputs
2. Risk Prioritisation
- Identify: High-risk invasive species
- Prioritise them for action
3. Management Strategies
- Recommend:
- Prevention measures
- Control and eradication strategies
- Develop: National-level guidelines
4. Ecological Restoration
- Suggest: Restoration of affected ecosystems
5. Research & Knowledge
- Identify: Knowledge gaps
- Promote: Research and data generation
- Document: Best practices
Tenure
- Duration: 2 years
- Expected Outcome:
- Strengthening biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience
- Supporting national and global biodiversity commitments
Composition of the Committee
Leadership
- Chairperson: Shri Dhananjai Mohan (IFS Retd.)
- Co-Chair: Prof. A. Biju Kumar
Institutional Representation
Includes experts from:
- Zoological Survey of India
- Botanical Survey of India
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR bureaus)
- Wildlife Institute of India
- Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
- Forest Survey of India
- State Forest Departments
- International organisations like International Union for Conservation of Nature
Nature of Expertise
- Ecology
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Fisheries & marine sciences
- Biodiversity conservation
This ensures a multi-disciplinary and whole-of-government approach.
What are Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?
- Species introduced outside their natural habitat
- Spread rapidly and:
- Threaten native biodiversity
- Disrupt ecosystems
Examples in India
- Lantana camara (weed)
- Water hyacinth (aquatic plant)
- Prosopis juliflora
Impacts of IAS
- Ecological: Loss of native species and Habitat degradation
- Economic: Damage to agriculture and fisheries
- Health: Spread of diseases and Threat to wildlife and humans
Significance
- Biodiversity Protection: Addresses one of the major global drivers of biodiversity loss
- Policy Strengthening: Helps build National-level guidelines and Evidence-based policy
- International Commitments: Supports Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) goals
- Ecosystem Resilience: Enhances Climate resilience and Sustainable ecosystems
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Established: 2003
- Headquarters: Chennai
- Role: Implements Biological Diversity Act
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Established: 2010
- Purpose: Environmental justice and speedy disposal of cases