This article has been written by Anthony Muscat who graduated with a Master in Rural sciences from the University of Malta.

The research work disclosed in the final publication has been partially funded by the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship (Malta).

This Scholarship is part-financed by the European Union – European Social Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, “Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality Of Life.Prevention is better than cure. This saying is very significant in establishing a strategy for a preventive approach with regard to invasive species. Introduction of invasive species in any country is very easy through the different pathways that exist, but eradication could cost millions of dollars or Euros. trade, tourism, and transport are the three main factors for the introduction of invasive harmful species.

Food and environmental security is fundamental for the well-being of humankind. Efforts had been carried out throughout the years to ensure that such security was attained, but still there is always room for more effort to achieve desired results. Various prevailing factors can cause instability in small islands like Malta and Gozo.

The Maltese economy depends highly on the tourism sector, and this, in turn, necessitates that there should be enough food and space for such industry. In catering for this demand, the potential introduction of invasive harmful species can cause harm to both agriculture and the environment and additionally, control and eradication is costly.

Although Maltese agriculture contributes to less than 3% of the Gross Domestic Product, its importance has never been underestimated. Investing in the agricultural sector through subsidising projects from both local funds and EU funds were a positive approach since this contributed to an improvement in the quality of products and the introduction of innovative techniques. Such changes unfortunately also brought with them the introduction of invasive harmful species through the trade chain.

The main aim of this research was to refine a policy based on a pro-active approach, with special attention to the horticultural industry, with due inclusion of afforestation and embellishment and the rural community involved, in growing horticultural crops.

Such a policy approach will help local authorities to plan better their strategies in preventing invasive harmful species from reaching the Maltese islands.

A pro-active policy also helps in the reduction of chemical inputs, better management of financial resources because of the control of the invasive harmful species through the identification by risk assessment.

The main investigative approach was basically on a questionnaire for a set group of stakeholders who were asked about the introduction of invasive species, how this would affect the agriculture and environmental sectors.

The results obtained indicate that a policy based on a pro-active preventive approach would contribute to ensure control of harmful invasive species that could reach our islands. Such policy focuses on proper managerial resources and pest risk assessment so that action can be taken before invasive species reach us. The study also illustrated that participation of stakeholders, together with education and training can play an important role.

The main findings included, that there should be more consultancy between competent authorities and stakeholders at all stages of discussion, while continuous information on the possible pathways of introduction and on invasive harmful alien species both present or not.

Since the introduction of invasive harmful species is highly expensive to eradicate them, apart the negative impact they have on a wide range of social and economic impacts, education and awareness campaigns must be in place.

Invasive harmful species either have lag phases or not. The latter may spread and establish themselves rapidly once introduced in the new environment. Others, which have lag phases, are easier to control especially if they are present at low densities and noticed immediately. In case they are not noticed, the population increases and become uncontrollable.

The achievement of an effective prevention policy ultimately depends on a co-ordinate and a block approach among interested parties and stakeholders. Policy formulation and actuation can be based on principles, mainly the precautionary principle, the prevention principle and the polluter pays principle.

The precautionary principle recognises that any delay in action will have particular by devastating consequences. The prevention principle offers the most cost-effective means to eliminate the various impacts both economically and environmentally. The prevention principle includes various tools and methods.

The polluter pays principle can be applied to any person who introduces any species considered as invasive and harmful to the local biodiversity. Any person should be responsible for introducing harmful invasive species and should pay for any remedial necessary measures due to compensate for the damage caused by the organism introduced (Shine, 1996).

Conclusions from the research carried out showed that a prevention policy approach can be based on various factors mainly: The identification of new pathways such as the increase in internet trading and suppressing the existent pathways to reduce the number of invasive harmful organisms.

Creating of risk analysis and assessment policy by evaluating the economical impacts and the environmental impacts of the both the invasive species and their host/s.

Enacting and enforcing legislation.

Early warning and exchange information system.

Surveillance systems by conducting surveys.

Monitoring approaches

Efficient and effective long term eradication measures in place

Education and awareness campaigns at all levels of the society

Management approaches such biological control, Integrated Pest management, certification schemes, and maintaining and restoring the local flora.

Agriculture and environment are intrinsic to the livelihood of humans. Therefore, it is important that everyone play a part to ensure future sustainability. This would also infer the need to prevent invasive species from reaching our Islands. Both the authorities and every individual should shoulder responsibility.

The authorities have the responsibility to enact laws, determine policies for control, and educate, while the public has to be accountable for their actions.

It has become a necessity today, that the authorities, stakeholders and the public synergise their efforts to actuate policies that meet the needs of the times, and the control of invasive species is no exception.

Photographs: Alien species Acia Gazzija and damage by the Red Palm Weevil

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