Invasive Exotics Management and Control: Using Volunteers and Partners

Improving invasive alien plant management through partnerships

Louise Stafford

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 3:30-4:00

Strategic ALIGNMENT of the efforts of all levels of government, as well as landowners, is a prerequisite for effective Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) management. Alignment ensures OPTIMAL resource allocation through integrated planning and implementation, without which IAP management will remain inefficient and significantly increases the potential for failure. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) has approved a grant to the Cape Action Plan for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E.) Programme to develop a STRATEGY for Invasive Alien Species Management in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). The CFR is smallest and relatively the most diverse of the six floral kingdoms of the world with 9500 plant species, almost 70% of which are endemic. Nearly 2400 species are listed in the latest revision of the Plant Red Data Book. The strategy responds to the non-alignment and fragmented approach that exists in the region and aims to provide a FRAMEWORK for collective mobilization of resources and integrated planning. Successful implementation of the strategy depends on political will and institutional buyin and will be achieved through ongoing advocacy and active engagement with key institutions. The objective of the strategy is to eradicate IAPs in priority areas and has resulted in the reallocation of resources where appropriate. This realignment is being phased in to minimise any negative impacts that might follow. IAP management in the CFR is an example of how strategic alignment and PARTNERSHIPS can be achieved thus increasing the potential for long term success where resources are limited.

Keywords: ALIGNMENT, OPTIMAL, STRATEGY, FRAMEWORK, PARTNERSHIPS