Latin American countries are particularly vulnerable to the threats posed by invasive species. Invasive alien plants (IAP) can have a disproportionate impact on the biodiversity and economies of these countries that have fewer resources to control such plants and typically rely more heavily on agriculture, forestry and fishing than more developed countries.
In this context, this session will address the issue of IAP in Latin America with six presentations. The first two presentations will set the scene of plant invasions in Latin America, addressing the region's knowledge and awareness of IAP. A third presentation will show the socio-economic impact and economic loss of ecosystem services
caused by IAP in Latin America, with special emphasis on Argentina. The following three presentations will focus on the management of invasive plants through the use of biological control.
First, there will be a general introduction to the discipline of biological control and the scope of its application. Then some CB projects in Latin America and the Caribbean will be mentioned, and finally, a parallel will be established between the situation of IAP and biological control between Europe and Latin America in terms of challenges and opportunities.
SPEAKERS- Sergio Zalba – Invasive species in Latin America.
- Ileana Herrera – Invasive plants in Latin America.
- Mariana Zilio – The economic impact of biological invasions: what it is and why it matters.
- Martin Hill – The benefits and risks of biological control in Africa.
- Philip Weyl – Rust fungi for the biological control of weeds in Latin America, keeping a foot in the door.
- Helia Marchante and Elizabete Marchante – Biological Control of invasive alien plants in Europe & South America – so many opportunities to share and so many challenges.
CONVENORS: Alejandro Sosa and Fernando Mc Kay
