Matchmaking Tools

› Problem Definition:

The problem of Invasive Plant Species is not simply the concern of ecologists or biodiversity conservationists but other major sectors like:

i. Forestry – Alien trees have been long introduced for commercial forestry, agro-forestry, erosion control or landscaping. Overtime and with increasing dissemination, invasive potential of woody species is becoming apparent.

ii. Agriculture – Improved varieties of crops brought from outside its region of origin has been accompanied by a growing invasive alien species problem. Emergency food aid is also a pathway of agricultural invasives. For instance – the neo-tropical weed Parthenium hysterophorum recently arrived in Africa through grain shipments for famine relief to Ethiopia.

iii. Horticulture – Introduction of ornamental plants and high yielding varieties of fruits and vegetables will increase the risk of biotic invasion.

iv. Tourism – Tourists serve as vectors for the spread of Invasive alien Plants. Travellers can intentionally carry living plants, fruits or seeds that eventually become invasive.

› Project Description:

The pilot project on the study of the invasive alien plant species was formulated in the year April 2008 for
a period of one year. The main objective of the pilot project study was to study the potential threat to
biodiversity by invasive alien plants.
During the first phase public awareness was raised through exhibition on two major occasions in Thimphu during the Centenary Coronation Celebration for 7 days and at Tsirang coinciding with the biodiversity fair attended by farmers from 12 blocks/geogs for a day. The collection of herbarium specimen of the invasive plants was very successful and still going on. The inception workshop for the stakeholders was conducted in Serbithang to draw up preventive and control measures with presentation and discussion on the cross-cutting issues involving the Renewable Natural Resources Sector (RNR). The discussions were mainly focused on the current gap, actions required and the responsible/lead agencies to look into policy, research needs, awareness, education, management and control. The fielding of an external consultant is under way and upon arrival of the consultant, proper methodologies for conducting the national inventory on invasive alien plants will be applied and tested in the field. The literature search is almost complete and our findings would be analyzed and classified according to the invasive nature of the plants. Study visit to Thailand was conducted for period of 13 days to learn from the regional experience and the mitigation measures.

› Overall Objective:

Prevention of Biodiversity loss due to adverse effects of Invasive Alien Plants

› Implementing Strategy:

The major activities in the II phase would be:
1. Training of Researchers/Quarantine officials/Extension staff on IAS
2. Conduct National Inventory of the IAS
3. Refine long term policy development based on the survey (scientific evidence)
4. Case study on prioritized IAS
5. Capacity building of the staff
6. Building regional linkage with in South Asia (sharing expertise)