Public Engagement with Biological Control of Invasive Plants: The State of the Question

The practice of biocontrol has been impacted by in the evolution of environmental values in societies, and difficulties in obtaining release permits. These challenge biocontrol stakeholders, researchers and regulators to foster more effective public engagement with invasive species management. To succeed, public engagement requires the disambiguation of research activities from public agency decision making. This requires greater up-front investment in public communication and consultation, and more transparency by agencies in the application of their decision making criteria. However, these additional costs can be offset if the result is attenuated surrounding controversies and amplified public support for invasive plant control. This article draws from a five year comparative study of biocontro