Conference warns of massive costs for China with invasive species

A scientific conference has heard that more than 620 alien species have invaded China, causing an economic damage worth an estimated 200 billion yuan (around 30 billion US dollars), reports Chinanews.com.

The Third International Congress on Biological Invasions (ICBI) has taken place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, on November 20, 2017.

Nearly 400 researchers form over 20 countries have attended the congress to discuss both hotspots and challenges with biological invasions.

Nearly 400 researchers from over 20 countries attend the Third International Congress on Biological Invasions (ICBI) in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, on November 20, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

"Biological control is the most environment-friendly way to manage biological invasions," said Yu Xiaoping, vice president of China Jiliang University, who noted the use of pesticides may damage both the environment and human bodies.

Researchers at the conference note that as a large trading nation, China is particularly prone to biological invasions. China is said to be home now to 51 of the world's 100 most threatening alien species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Water hyacinth, a floating aquatic plant, forms a dense mass on the surface of the Huangpu River in Shanghai on October 6, 2017. [File photo: IC]

Chen Xuexin, dean of the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology at Zhejiang University, is among those suggesting that breeding natural enemies of invasive species is the best solution. "China now has 10 'factories of natural enemies,' which are effective in controlling invasive pests," said Chen.

However, others have suggested tighter inspection controls.

"The key solution is to strengthen entry-exit health inspections and quarantine, preventing invasive alien species including flora, fauna and microorganism," said Wan Fanghao, researcher from the Institute of Plant Protection with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.