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New Study Shows the Economic Benefits of Preventing Invasive Species

Stronger policies could save the U.S. billions of dollars

Arlington, VA—December 20, 2006—A new study is the first to analyze the economic costs and benefits of screening new plant species proposed for import. The study, written by biologists Reuben P. Keller and David M. Lodge from University of Notre Dame, and economist David. C. Finnoff from the University of Wyoming, will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.

“This study reveals concrete steps we can take to prevent new invasive species introductions and enjoy both economic and environmental benefits,” said John Randall, director of the Conservancy’s Global Invasive Species Initiative. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently considering improvements to quarantine regulations, including adopting requirements for screening new plant species proposed for introduction. The 110th Congress is expected to take up legislation to strengthen USDA’s capacity and funding to implement an effective screening program.”

The estimated annual damage from invasive species worldwide totals $1.4 trillion – five percent of the global economy. With increased global trade, invasive species are spreading around the world at an unprecedented rate and scale, contributing to one-third of all species extinctions in the last 400 years.

Results of this study, however, showed that screening species before they are introduced into a new environment can yield large economic benefits. The study examined the economic costs and benefits of Australia’s screening program, used to screen species proposed for introduction and use in the country’s ornamental plant trade. Species likely to cause unintended economic damage were prohibited from being introduced into Australia, while species yielding net economic benefits were approved for the country’s ornamental plant trade. Findings show that Australia’s efforts paid for themselves with reduced economic damage in just over ten years and would result in up to $1.8 billion in savings over 50 years.

The United States has a long history of purposely importing plant species for ornamental, agricultural, forage, or soil stabilization purposes. Plants such as kudzu, Japanese honeysuckle, water hyacinth, multiflora rose and lantana were all introduced as ornamentals but are in fact invasive species that have caused serious economic and environmental problems by invading millions of acres of farms, forests, fields and waterways.

While the vast majority of introduced species do not become invasive, the need to safeguard the United States against new invaders is rising as global trade continues to increase. The entry of new invaders can be prevented by stronger business practices and public policies, such as screening programs for intentional introductions. Conservancy scientists are currently working with researchers at the University of Florida to measure the effectiveness of using screening methods examined in this study in the United States.

According to Randall, “Implementing a domestic screening program would yield significant net economic benefits to the nation, in addition to providing much needed protection for native plants, animals and natural communities across the country and allowing us to enjoy continued free trade."

Partnering with Notre Dame

The Nature Conservancy is also partnering with the University of Notre Dame through the Center for Aquatic Conservation to address the threat of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Directed by study author David Lodge, the Center will serve as the place where scientists gather, analyze and distribute research on pathways in which aquatic invasive species are introduced or spread: shipping, trade, recreational boating and canals.

Learn more about the partnership here.

Working to Combat Invasive Species

With more than two decades experience in invasive species management, the Conservancy is tackling the challenge through science leadership, effective land and water management, and encouraging better business practices and stronger public policies, which will prevent new invasions and stem the spread of established invaders.

Learn more about the Conservancy’s work to prevent and control the spread of invasive species around the world.