Biofuel plants are at risk of becoming invasive plants

Countries that rush to develop biofuels are at risk of growing invasive plants, which could lead to an environmental and economic destruction, biologists warn.

In a report published at the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity, a coalition of four expert groups called on governments to select low-risk species for bio-fuels. learn and apply new control measures to manage invasive crops.

'The danger that invasive plants pose to the world is very serious,' said Sarah Simons, Executive Director of the Global Invasive Species Program (GISP). 'They are one of the leading causes of global species losses, which can threaten livelihoods and human health and will cost us billions of spending on control efforts. control and mitigation. We can't just stand and watch and do nothing. '

Report 'Biofuel crops and natural invasive species: Invasive risk mitigation' has paid special attention to the reed (Arundo donax), a natural tree species in the West Asia region that is becoming invasive in many parts of North and Central America.

Considered a biofuel crop, reed is inherently flammable and thus increases the likelihood of forest fires. This plant is very water-loving, consuming 2,000 liters (500 gallons) of water to grow one meter (3.25 feet) in height, which increases pressure in dry areas.

Another crop problem is the African palm tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacquin) that is also grown as a biofuel. In many places in Brazil, planting of this plant has made many forest areas with mixed biodiversity into homogeneous single-layer palm plantations, according to GISP.

GISP is a partnership that includes the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); CABI is formerly the Commonwealth Agriculture Department; National Institute of Biodiversity of South Africa (SANBI) and Nature Conservancy (Nature Conservancy).

According to data cited by GISP, invasive species make the world spend 1.4 trillion dollars annually, equivalent to 5% of the global economy. The US alone spends $ 120 billion every year to overcome more than 800 invasive insects.

The report was published at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was established at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.