SoNaRR2020: Invasive non-native species (INNS)

Summary

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are any non-native animal or plant that can spread and subsequently cause damage to the environment, the economy, our health, and the way we live.

Tackling INNS is important to protect biodiversity and to improve the resilience of ecosystems so that they are better able to adapt to threats such as climate change.

Controlling INNS improves the ability of ecosystems to provide services to the communities of Wales, including:

• Flood and pollution avoidance
• Food, fibre and fuel
• Nutrient cycling
• Pollination
• Ensuring that species and green spaces continue to be enjoyed by all communities of Wales in the future

INNS can have significant negative economic impacts and are estimated to cost the economy of Wales at least £125 million a year.

Climate change and the increased movement of people and goods have been identified as major factors likely to affect the introduction and spread of INNS in future.

Our assessment

Download the SoNaRR2020: Invasive non-native species chapter (PDF)

This chapter identifies the impact that INNS have on achieving the sustainable management of natural resources with a focus on ecosystems, their resilience and the services they provide. It outlines progress in meeting the main INNS policy and legislative objectives and identifies the main risks and opportunities in managing INNS in Wales.

The pressures, impacts and opportunities for action identified by the INNS chapter can be found in the natural resource registers for the ecosystems.

The INNS chapter's evidence needs are included in the overall evidence needs table.

Explore the INNS evidence in our interactive story map.