Social licence to eradicate invasive pests of trees in urban landscapes: A review to prepare for the next incursion

Abstract

Invasive exotic pests and pathogens (hereafter “pests”) of trees are moving and establishing across the globe at unprecedented rates causing enormous economic, environmental, cultural and social harm. Commensurately, eradication attempts of newly detected exotic pests are burgeoning, with many occurring in urban landscapes where pests are often first detected. While early detection of invading pests is critical to the success of an eradication program, there is a growing need to obtain social licence to operate during a biosecurity response, especially in urban landscapes where multiple stakeholders can hold divergent values on urban trees. Biosecurity measures to eradicate an exotic pest (e.g., tree removal or pesticide/biopesticide application) are often contentious in urban areas and have been identified as a limiting factor in eradication success. Gauging and gaining social licence for control measures in a biosecurity response is needed in advance of the next pest arrival. This review identifies key elements for attaining social acceptability of biosecurity measures before and during a biosecurity response in urban landscapes to assist community and biosecurity agencies prepare for the next exotic pest incursion. Several actions can be taken. Relevant stakeholders can be identified now, their expectations and knowledge base understood, and relationships formed to gain trust and participation in future responses. Understanding public acceptance of biosecurity measures will help gain and maintain social licence in different contexts and develop appropriate communication and engagement approaches. Raising stakeholders’ awareness of the risks and costs of biosecurity incursions and the value of eradication measures can be enhanced when using participatory or co-design approaches and subsequently increase social acceptability of response operations. Reviewing social alongside technical aspects of eradication programs can shed light on ways to improve future programs as well as programs in-progress to support operational success.