Early detection and rapid response systems must be strengthened to identify and eradicate invaders before they become established on national territory, she said.

Consequently, she added during the presentation of the report on the third National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa, we must continue to invest in research and innovation, supporting studies that improve our understanding of the dynamics of invasive species to improve management strategies.

In the past decade, she revealed, 32 new alien species were introduced illegally or accidentally, a rate of approximately three per year.

It is essential to recognize that the impacts of biological invasions extend beyond the realm of biodiversity. They have far-reaching consequences for our economy, agriculture, water resources and public health, Creecy explained.

In particular, she argued, invasive species can devastate agricultural land, leading to reduced crop yields and increased production costs.

They can also affect water quality, obstruct water courses and affect the ability to access drinking water.

In addition, the Minister continued, some invasive species pose risks to human health by carrying diseases or causing allergic reactions.

South Africa has an innovative regulatory system for dealing with biological invasions, and decisions are based directly on available scientific evidence, Creecy recalled.

For example, she cited, all legal introductions of new alien species require import permits and are issued only if the risks are shown to be sufficiently low.

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