A strategy for addressing issues of aquatic invasive alien species in the Lower Mekong Basin

Like most natural ecosystems across Asia, the wetlands in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) are under threat from various human activities and from invasive alien species (IAS). Currently, major pathways for introduction of IAS in the region include aquaculture, horticultural and ornamental fish trades. Dams, urbanisation, expansion of agriculture, trans-boundary road development and other rapid development activities are exacerbating the spread of IAS. This report recommends strategic responses to address issues related to aquatic IAS in the LMB. It also recommends maximum participation at national, regional and international levels is essential and suggests possible participants at the three levels. It also identifies the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) (http://www.issg. org/database/) as the single most important resource for use with respect to IAS.