The need of centralized coordination to counter biological invasions in the European Union

Abstract

Non-native species monitoring faces global challenges due to resource disparities, hindering effective implementation. Current strategies are fragmented and resource-dependent, inadequately addressing non-native species dynamics and are subjected to reporting biases, being further ridiculed by political borders. To overcome these challenges, a paradigm shift towards targeted, large-scale monitoring is crucial, requiring standardized protocols and advanced technologies like environmental DNA analysis, orchestrated, applied—and enforced—following international collaboration. Despite existing efforts, networks, and laws, even larger political entities like the European Union suffer from the lack of information exchange as well as economic, political, and socio-cultural differences among member status, ultimately hampering united efforts against the threat posed by non-native species. The absence of a comprehensive central hub and authority, guided by scientific input and at the same time empowered by being a political institution, emerges as a compelling solution. Despite potential drawbacks, this institution, possibly bridging gaps in the large-scale approach, could coordinate efforts, standardize reporting, allocate resources, and advocate increased funding. Considering rising introduction rates and accelerating impacts from non-native species, creating a centralized institution becomes imperative for enhancing global non-native species monitoring and management to foster a collaborative response to non-native species threats.