FACTORING BIODIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS INTO A REGIONAL SAFEGUARDING STRATEGY

When dealing with invasive alien species (IAS), attention is usually focused on economic aspects i.e. agricultural management and trade. However, impacts of IAS on the environment, often are not considered at least in the first instance and tend to be quite complex. IAS often have the potential to cause enormous damage to the biodiversity, environment and living natural resources, particularly on small islands. They can alter the structure and function of ecosystems, and can also cause extinction of vulnerable species. Since the Caribbean is one the world's biodiversity 'hotspots' with a range of endemic species, it is necessary that environmental considerations are factored into the development of any regional safeguarding strategy. This involves bringing on board various stakeholders and establishing the key linkages necessary for effective action planning and implementation