Biological Invasions, a question of nature and society - Grand Format

Invasions of introduced species generate varying levels of disruption to the ecosystems concerned and it is up to society to manage the consequences. All personnel involved in the conservation of natural heritage must confront such invasions and attempt to provide solutions to the problems that arise. How can biological invasions be prevented ? How can the risks they represent be assessed ? What can be done to respond to current invasions ? Aware of this issue, the French ministry in charge of ecology called upon a community of researchers, from various disciplines, to address these questions through the variety of approaches they touch upon.
The "Biological Invasions" programme, launched in 2000, was designed with the main aim of improving both conceptual and theoretical knowledge of biological invasions and gaining practical knowledge of the plant and animal invasions encountered in France. The many results obtained from this research programme, the first of its kind in France, contributed to the analyses and recommendations presented in this publication.
While a single, universal answer to the problems raised by invasive species in natural habitats may not be provided here, the unquestionable progress made in the understanding of the biological, sociological and economic mechanisms underlying these invasions will support decision-making by environmental managers. Scientists, teachers and students will also find results and discussions to enrich their knowledge of these mechanisms.