The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines Alien and Invasive Species (A&IS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution and threatens biological diversity. These are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are exotic, non-indigenous or non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. They spread aggressively and threaten indigenous ecosystems functioning and biodiversity.

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) and the associated Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2020 aim to prevent the unlawful introduction of alien and potentially invasive species into the country, and to regulate listed invasive species within the country through a permit system which is supported by compliance monitoring and enforcement efforts.

The prevention, eradication and management of invasive species is a key challenge in the conservation of natural resources. An integrated approach is needed to tackle invasive species threats through creating awareness, fostering responsible conservation practices, and promoting voluntary compliance with relevant prescripts. Active public participation is crucial in the effective management of invasive species. Awareness-raising campaigns are fundamental in influencing human behaviour and facilitating pro-environmentally friendly choices which reduce the risks posed by the intentional or unintentional introduction of invasive species.

Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to, by 2030, reduce the introduction of invasive alien species by 50% and minimise their impact. This can be achieved through two main ways – (1) identification and management of pathways to prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive species and (2) by eradicating or controlling invasive species that have been introduced and established. South Africa has domesticated Target 6, and its implementation will be facilitated through the ten (10) year strategy: the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP).

The number and impact of invasive alien species can be reduced through management of biological invasions. Prevention and preparedness are the most cost-effective options, but other management options can also be effective. There are 3 management targets:

• Prevention through management of pathways of introduction and spread of invasive alien species;
• Management of target invasive alien species at either local or landscape scales; and
• Site-based or ecosystem-based management of priority sites.

Engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and local communities improves outcomes of management actions for biological invasions, particularly where there are conflicting perceptions of the value of invasive alien species or the ethics of management options. Management actions also benefit from sharing and collaboration across knowledge systems.

The National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISW) thus facilitates community engagement, awareness and knowledge-sharing.

Engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and local communities improves outcomes of management actions for biological invasions, particularly where there are conflicting perceptions of the value of invasive alien species or the ethics of management options. Management actions also benefit from sharing and collaboration across knowledge systems.

The National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISW) thus facilitates community engagement, awareness and knowledge-sharing.

The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) outlines five aspects of the management of alien and invasive species:

• Pathways of introduction and spread
• Invasive species
• Invaded sites
• Governance, and
• Implementation of enabling mechanisms.

Invasive alien species are one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss, and cause dramatic, and in some cases irreversible changes and damage to ecosystems. Invasive alien species can also negatively affect economies and infrastructure across different sectors, food and water security, and human, animal and plant health. The impacts are often felt the most by communities with the greatest direct dependence upon nature, including indigenous peoples and local communities. There are effective actions that can be implemented to eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Early detection and rapid response capacity can stop alien species that are introduced or at an early stage of invasion from becoming established and spreading. In addition, eradication, containment, and long-term control of already established invasive alien species populations can be undertaken. Such measures are more effective when an integrated governance approach is taken, including cross-sector, multi-stakeholder, and regional and international engagement.

South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to unique ecosystems ranging from fynbos and grasslands to savannas and wetlands. Yet, this extraordinary natural heritage faces a persistent and escalating threat: the spread of alien and invasive species. These species — plants, animals, and microorganisms introduced from outside their natural range — often outcompete indigenous (also called native) species, disrupt ecosystems, and inflict significant economic and social costs.

While control and eradication efforts are ongoing, the adage “prevention is better than cure” has never been more relevant. It is far easier, cheaper, and more effective to manage invasive species before they become established than after they have spread across landscapes. Shifting policy, practice, and funding towards prevention is therefore essential to safeguarding South Africa’s biodiversity and natural resources.

The true cost of invasive species

Alien and invasive species impose heavy burdens on South Africa’s environment, economy, and society. Ecologically, they degrade habitats, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural processes like fire regimes and water cycles. Species such as Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) and Lantana camara outcompete indigenous plants, while aquatic invaders like Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) choke rivers and dams.

Economically, the impacts are profound. Invasive plants alone are estimated to reduce South Africa’s water resources by over 1.4 billion cubic metres per year — equivalent to nearly a quarter of the country’s usable water supply. They also decrease agricultural productivity, increase fire risk, and necessitate expensive control measures. Government initiatives like the Working for Water programme spend hundreds of millions of rand annually on control and eradication efforts, yet many species continue to spread.

Why prevention is the smartest strategy

• Cost-effectiveness: Once invasive species are established, eradication is extremely costly and often impossible. Prevention — through early detection, rapid response, and strong border biosecurity — is far cheaper than long-term control. Studies globally show that every rand invested in prevention can save many times that amount in future management costs.
• Ecological protection: Preventing new invasions protects native ecosystems from irreversible damage. Once biodiversity is lost or ecological processes are altered, restoration is complex, uncertain, and rarely fully successful.
• Water and resource security: South Africa is a water-scarce country. Preventing the establishment of thirsty invasive plants protects critical water catchments, supports agriculture, and reduces the need for costly water augmentation infrastructure.
• Resilience to climate change: Invasive species can worsen the effects of climate change by altering fire regimes, drying out catchments, and reducing ecosystem resilience. Prevention strengthens the natural systems that help buffer against climate extremes.

Internal biosecurity measures to protect against invasive species

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is responsible for the implementation of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (NEMBA) and the 2020 Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations and Lists. The purpose of the NEMBA is to prevent the unauthorised introduction and spread of alien and invasive species; to manage and control alien and invasive species to prevent or minimize harm to the environment and biodiversity; and to eradicate alien and invasive species from ecosystems and habitats where they may harm ecosystems or habitats.

A permit system for alien and invasive species is outlined in the legislation. A person requires a permit to undertake the following activities with listed alien and invasive species: (i) import to South Africa; (ii) possess; (iii) growing, breeding, propagating or causing them to multiply; (iv) conveying, moving or translocating; (v) selling and trading, including buying, receiving, giving, donating or accepting as a gift; and (vi) any other prescribed activity.

To ensure that the legislative provisions are complied with, Environmental Management Inspectors – specifically appointed to enforce the NEMBA and A&IS Regulations – undertake inspections. Compliance inspections may be conducted on AIS permits, on businesses that might trade in invasive species such as nurseries and pet shops, and any other land or property that may have invasive species on the property. Inspections are conducted on both private and public land. A warning letter will notify the landowner, land-user or permit holder of minor non-compliances. Should the matter not be satisfactorily addressed, it will be handed over to Enforcement. Enforcement may institute administrative measures such as a directive to compel the compliance to the law. It is a criminal offence to not comply with a directive. In serious non-compliant cases criminal prosecution may ensue, and the alleged transgressor may, if found guilty be imprisoned, fined or both.

A call to shift mindset and investment

While South Africa has made commendable progress in managing invasive species, much of the focus and funding remains on control and eradication, rather than prevention. A paradigm shift is needed — one that recognises that every new invasive species prevented from being introduced to South Africa and becoming established, is a costly and complex problem avoided.

By prioritising prevention, South Africa can protect its water, biodiversity, and economic future. In doing so, we safeguard not just our natural heritage, but the livelihoods, health, and well-being of future generations. The lesson is clear: when it comes to invasive species, prevention isn’t just better than cure — it is the only truly sustainable solution. Let us all do our part to protect our beautiful grassland, waters, coastal areas, campgrounds and recreational sites from invasive species and get involved in creating awareness about these species. We are all impacted directly or indirectly by invasive species, which means that we have a shared responsibility to manage the problem, by taking the necessary steps to stop their spread.

Key messages

• Enjoy seeing animals and plants from other places where they live naturally. You shouldn't bring pets, plants, or seeds from other places to South Africa. You don't know when this newcomer might become invasive.
• You can help stop the spread of alien species in different ways. To stop the spread of these harmful species, one of the most important things that can be done is to support stricter rules and legislation on trade and movement. This includes stricter rules for inspecting businesses that deal with invasive species and people who are allowed to own invasive species. The goal is to stop invasive species from coming into new areas and spreading there.
• Supporting conservation efforts to eradicate the mice on the islands where albatrosses nest is crucial to protect these vulnerable seabird populations. By donating to organizations dedicated to this cause or spreading awareness about the issue, we can help ensure a safer environment for these majestic birds.
• Report crimes against the environment on the toll-free hotline: 0800 205 005 or at envirocrime@dffe.gov.za

• The status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa [PDF 3.8mb]
• Alien and Invasive Species - How does the law affect you? [PDF 3.2 mb]
• Permitting Process in terms of the alien and invasive species regulations [PDF 654 kb]
• Environmental Crime and Incident Hotline [PDF 654 kb]
• Overview of EP programmes: clearing on public and private land [PDF 1.2 mb]
• Management of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) [PDF 5.7 mb]

Status of South Africa's invasive species

20 October 2025 @ 12:00 – 13:00
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Alien and invasive species - legal obligations under NEMBA. How does it affect you?

21 October 2025 @ 12:00 – 13:00
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Initiatives to control alien and invasive species

22 October 2025 @ 12:00 – 13:00
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iNaturalist for A&IS and health risks of pesticides to control A&IS

23 October 2025 @ 12:00 – 13:00
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Feathered invasive species

24 Otober 2025 @ 12:00 - 13:00
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