Invasive alien species? What should we know about them?

The ecosystem is characterized by a high degree of biological diversity. However, population pressure,
poverty and survival needs have resulted in rapid destruction of the environment.
Invasive alien species (IAS) includes exotic or non-native micro- and macro-species introduced
accidentally or deliberately, to a place that is not part of their natural habitat or distributional range,
and have adverse ecological and economic impacts.
Studies have also demonstrated that IAS could alter the evolution of native species by competitive
exclusion, niche displacement, predation, and ultimate extinction.
Invasive alien species are also among the top drivers of environmental change globally, and are known
to threaten food security, human health, and economic development.
There are numerous invasive alien species in the Philippines, and these include the following:
1. The hagonoy, is very airborne and easily germinate and thus is known for its rapid spread on
farmlands where native plants can be grown instead.
2. Next is the Cogon grass, which is the Most common garden weed and is known for its tall leaves
and extensive spread especially in highways. Burning of these weeds have caused respiratory
problems
3. Another is the ipil-ipil. They are Dense thicket forming plants that release mimosine that may
inhibit growth of neighboring species and insects
4. Lastly is the makahiya. Thickets of Mimosa may be a fire hazard during a very dry season.
Our invasive alien species may also indirectly affect human health. The invasion of these species
dominate the habitats of supposedly naturally occurring inhabitants and may decrease source of
native plants that have better medicinal use. Presence of these weeds may also lead us to increased
exposure to different health risks such as increased fire hazards during dry seasons and increased
use and exposure of herbicides that may be carcinogenic.
However, we must also consider that most of these invasive species have already been proven to
provide medicinal values and contribute to alternative medicine. The hagonoy plant, for example,
has a hemostatic and wound healing property. The makahiya serves to act as an anti-hepatotoxin,
anti-diabetes and an antioxidant. The ipil-ipil has anti-proliferative and antihelminthic properties.
To answer to some of the problems posed by these invasive alien species, the department of
environmental and natural resources started a campaign entitled Removing Barriers to Invasive Species
Management in the Production and Protection Forests in Southeast Asia. This project allows
partnerships with local communities to manage Invasive Alien Species, biological control and habitat
restoration with native plant and animal species. Some of the components of this campaign are:
1. To enhance the knowledge and skills of our forest workers in reducing the negative effects
of IAS in our forests and agricultural areas S
2. Formulation and implementation of policies, rules, and regulations on the conservation and
management of natural resources
3. Encouragement of advocacy campaigns on taking action