Recommendations

Prevention methods for managing the issue of invasive species, should be the priority task in Pakistan because control and eradication are practically difficult and expensive.

Specific recommendations:

• As a first step, there is a need to commission a technical review of occurrence of invasive species in Pakistan.
  
• Local expertise for managing the issue of invasive species need to be enhanced. Training is also needed in contingency plans for coping with invasions.
  
• A black list on invasive species in Pakistan should be prepared.
  
• There is a need for strengthening and capacity building of quarantine department for identification of invasive species in the country. This is necessary because of increasing trade and travel.
  
• Contingency plans for priority areas in Pakistan need to be set-up.
  
• Restoration of a highly degraded and threatened native ecosystems such as riparian forests in Sindh.
  
• Biological control of exotic water and terrestrial weeds. This appears to be the only long term answer to the problem.
  
• Education and awareness is an important method in management of invasive species. The government through relevant institutions and departments should organise public forums in which important issues on pests are addressed.
  
• Research projects should be initiated to investigate the impacts of alien invasive species on biodiversity, tourism, agriculture, livestock production, etc.
  
• Conservation projects aimed at conserving and restoring biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems that are threatened by invasive species should be initiated.