China Takes Tough Stance on Invasive Alien Species
By LI Linxu
In its annual rural policy blueprint, known as the "Central No. 1 Document", China reiterated the policy to strengthen the management of invasive alien species.
The country will crack down on illegal introduction of alien species, according to the document.
Meanwhile, further actions will be carried out to prevent and control major hazardous invasive species.
In recent years, China has made great efforts to guard against and respond to invasive alien species, such as improving relevant rules and regulations, and setting up inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms.
Invasive alien species are defined as animals, plants or other organisms that are introduced by humans, either intentionally or accidentally, into places outside of their natural habitats, negatively impacting native biodiversity, ecosystem services or human economy and well-being.
The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. (PHOTO: VCG)
China faces multiple risks of invasive alien species due to its long land border, frequent foreign exchanges, and illegal introduction and breeding of exotic pets, said an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA).
In the 20th CPC National Congress report, China vowed to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity management, and make efforts to prevent and treat the harm caused by invasions of alien species.
Shortly after the conclusion of the 20th CPC National Congress, China released a new list of key invasive alien species, totaling of 59 from eight groups.
Based on the evaluation of survey data and invasion risk, the newly released list consists of 33 plant species, 13 insect species, four plant pathogenic microbe species, one plant entomopathogenic nematode species, two mollusk species, three fish species, one amphibian species, and two reptile species.
The management of these species will be strengthened, according to MARA, citing measures such as strengthening quarantine inspection of inbound goods, optimizing monitoring and early-warning systems, and boosting sci-tech support.
