Kerala State Biodiversity Board submits policy document to mitigate threats from invasive species

Environment & Ecology · 12 October 2026 · Based on The Hindu (original report)

Worth reading — 1 past UPSC question on this theme (Prelims GS-1 2023); also both a Prelims fact and a Mains debate.

2-minute summary

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has submitted a strategic policy document to the Kerala government to address the escalating threat of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in forest, agricultural, and aquatic ecosystems. The policy outlines a seven-point framework focusing on prevention, strict quarantine protocols, early monitoring, risk assessments, public awareness, and local community engagement. In cases where complete eradication is unfeasible, the policy suggests economic utilization of these species. According to KSBB findings, 32 alien species (4 plant species and 28 fish species) threaten inland aquatic ecosystems, with Mozambique tilapia (*Oreochromis mossambicus*) present across all 44 rivers in Kerala. In forest ecosystems, invasive plants like *Lantana camara*, *Chromolaena odorata*, and *Mikania micrantha* disrupt native flora regeneration. Key entry pathways identified include ship ballast water, horticulture, agriculture, and the ornamental fish trade. Experts emphasize the urgent need for a unified national legal framework dedicated to invasive species management.

Why it's in the news

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board submitted a comprehensive policy document to the State government detailing a seven-point action plan against invasive alien species. This move highlights growing policy momentum to tackle bio-invasions affecting ecosystems and agricultural economies.

Facts to remember

  • Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is documented as the most widespread invasive fish species across all 44 rivers in Kerala.
  • A total of 32 alien species—comprising 4 plant and 28 fish species—have been documented in Kerala's inland aquatic ecosystems.
  • Major pathways for invasive alien species introduction in Kerala include ballast water, the ornamental fish trade, horticulture, and agriculture.
  • Prominent invasive plant species in forest ecosystems include Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Mikania micrantha.
  • State Biodiversity Boards are statutory bodies established under Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Background and context

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native organisms introduced intentionally or accidentally into ecosystems, where they establish, spread, and outcompete native species. Globally, IAS are recognized as one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). In India, alien flora like *Lantana camara*, *Parthenium hysterophorus*, and *Eichhornia crassipes* have severely damaged forest ecosystems, pastoral lands, and waterbodies. Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, India created a three-tier institutional structure comprising the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level. Globally, Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) mandates countries to reduce the rates of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.

Constitutional provisions

  • Article 48A — Directs the State to endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
  • Article 51A(g) — Imposes a Fundamental Duty on every Indian citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Committees and reports

  • IPBES Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species — Highlighted that invasive species play a major role in 60% of global plant and animal extinctions and cause substantial global economic losses annually.

Government schemes

  • National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) — Provides the overall strategic framework for biodiversity conservation, including targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to control invasive species.

International organisations

  • IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) — A global network of scientific experts under the IUCN Species Survival Commission that maintains the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD).

Previous UPSC questions on this theme

  • Prelims GS-1 2023 — 'Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (b) The United Nations Environment Programme (c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development (d) The World Wide Fund for Nature

Mains practice: Invasive alien species represent a major threat to India's biodiversity and agrarian economy. Examine the major pathways of bio-invasions and evaluate the existing legislative framework to address this challenge.

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native organisms that cause ecological, economic, or human health harm. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 2023 report identified IAS as a leading cause of global species extinctions. The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) policy document submitted in 2026 highlights the urgency of addressing bio-invasions across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Major Pathways of Bio-Invasions:

• Unintentional Maritime Pathways: Ballast water discharge from merchant vessels introduces marine pathogens and exotic aquatic species into coastal ecosystems.

• Trade and Agriculture: Ornamental fish trade, nursery trade, and introduced crop varieties unintentionally import invasive weeds like Chromolaena odorata and insect pests.

• Ecosystem Alteration: Natural disasters like floods and altered river flows accelerate the downstream dispersal of exotic species such as Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) across river systems.

Evaluation of the Existing Framework:

• Legal and Institutional Measures: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 establishes a decentralized structure (NBA, SBBs, and local BMCs). Section 22 empowers State Biodiversity Boards to regulate activities affecting biodiversity.

• Constitutional Backing: Articles 48A and 51A(g) obligate both the State and citizens to protect natural ecosystems.

• Existing Gaps: India lacks an exclusive, unified central legislation dedicated specifically to invasive species management, resulting in fragmented enforcement between forest, agricultural, and quarantine authorities.

Way Forward:

• Dedicated Legal Framework: Enact dedicated national legislation or establish a central coordination agency for biosecurity and invasive species control.

• Target Alignment: Align national strategies with Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to reduce invasive species introduction rates by 50% by 2030.

• Community Engagement: Involve local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in early detection, monitoring, and economic utilization of biomass (e.g., converting Lantana camara into handicrafts or biochar).

Strengthening bio-invasion governance is essential to protecting India's native ecosystems and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Prelims practice questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding biodiversity conservation in India: 1. State Biodiversity Boards are statutory bodies established under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 2. Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to eliminate all existing invasive alien species worldwide by 2030. 3. Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is an exotic invasive fish species widely distributed across inland aquatic ecosystems in India. How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None

Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct: State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) are statutory bodies constituted under Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Statement 2 is incorrect: Target 6 aims to reduce the rates of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030 and reduce their impacts, not to eliminate all existing alien species completely. Statement 3 is correct: Mozambique tilapia is a documented invasive fish species found across river systems in states like Kerala.

Q2. With reference to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) pathways and institutions, consider the following statements: 1. Ships' ballast water discharge is recognized as a major pathway for the unintentional introduction of marine aquatic invasive species. 2. The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), which maintains the Global Invasive Species Database, functions under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 3. Plant species such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata inhibit native forest regeneration by outcompeting indigenous flora. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct: Ballast water carries thousands of marine organisms across oceans, making it a key unintentional introduction pathway. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) functions under the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), not UNEP. Statement 3 is correct: Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata are major invasive plant species that hinder native plant regeneration in Indian forest ecosystems.

Q3. Which one of the following global environmental agreements explicitly incorporates Target 6 to manage and reduce the introduction rate of invasive alien species by 2030?

  1. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
  2. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity Framework
  3. The CITES Framework on Trade in Endangered Flora and Fauna
  4. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification Strategic Framework

Answer: B. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022, sets Target 6 specifically focused on identifying, prioritizing, and reducing the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.

Revision flashcards

  • Under which Act and section are State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) established in India? Section 22 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • Which specialist group under the IUCN maintains the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD)? The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG).
  • According to the Kerala State Biodiversity Board report submitted in October 2026, which alien fish species is present in all 44 rivers of Kerala? Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
  • In October 2026, how many total alien species were documented in Kerala's inland aquatic ecosystems by the State Biodiversity Board? 32 alien species (4 plant species and 28 fish species).
  • Why do invasive plant species like Lantana camara pose a major threat to native forest ecosystems? They grow rapidly, outcompete indigenous flora for light and nutrients, alter natural fire cycles, and prevent native plant regeneration.

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