New database of 181 intruder species will help protect biodiversity and livelihoods

Ankara, 8 May 2024 – Türkiye’s unique geology, geography and climate make it a hotspot for biodiversity, both on land and in the seas that border the country on three sides. This rich bounty of nature faces threats, however, from 872 different invasive species that have intruded over past decades owing to the opening of the Suez Canal, the discharge of ballast waters from ships in transit and the impact of climate change. To address these potent threats, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks yesterday launched Türkiye’s first strategy and action plan to combat invasive alien species and restore the ecosystems they have harmed. 

The strategy and action plan were prepared within the scope of the Marine Invasive Alien Species (MarIAS) initiative, a US$3.3 million UNDP project funded since 2018 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that aims to monitor, control and reduce maritime invasive alien species along Türkiye’s 8,333-km coastline. The document builds on the findings of MarIAS and a previous project TerIAS, which focused on invasive species that are found on land and in inland waters. The new strategy, which is divided into 11 components and covers 57 actions, is aligned with regional, national and international best practices.

“As a signatory of many regional and international treaties to protect nature, Türkiye has a prominent role in combatting invasive alien species,” said MarIAS Project Manager Mehmet Gölge. “Türkiye has globally significant biodiversity but is among the hardest-hit countries. The strategy and action plan we laid out today will set standards for the country’s long-term efforts to eliminate this major problem.”

The event also saw the launch of the Turkish National Invasive Alien Species Data and Information System (TurIST). The database, which currently covers 181 different species, will help scientists and policymakers by showing where invasive alien species are congregating and measure the ecological, economic and social damage they cause. Further, it will facilitate international cooperation to enable joint action aimed at solving the common problem. The real-time database will continuously receive data from fishers and local NGOs to provide experts and policymakers with up-to-date information. 

For more information: Umut Dulun, Communications Associate for UNDP in Türkiye, umut.dulun@undp.org