Invasive Species, Indigenous Stewards, and Vulnerability Discourse (original) (raw)
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People and Natue, 2023
1. Introduced species that spread and become invasive are recognised as a major threat to global biological diversity, ecosystem resilience and economic sta-bility. Eradication is often a default conservation management strategy even when it may not be feasible for a variety of reasons. Assessment of the sub-stantive socioeconomic and ecological impacts of invasive alien species (IAS), both negative and positive, is increasingly viewed as an important step in management. 2. We argue that one solution to IAS management is to align models of alien species management with Indigenous management frameworks that are rela-tional and biocultural. We make the theoretical case that centring Indigenous management frameworks promises to strengthen overall management re-sponses and outcomes because they attend directly to human and environ-mental justice concerns. 3. We unpack the origins of the ‘introduced species paradigm’ to understand how binary framing of so-called ‘aliens’ and ‘natives’ recalls harmful histories and al-ienates Indigenous stewardship. Such a paradigm thereby may limit application of Indigenous frameworks and management, and impede long-term biodiversity protection solutions. 4. We highlight how biocultural practices applied by Indigenous Peoples to IAS cen-tre protecting relationships, fulfilling responsibilities and realising justice.5. Finally, we argue for a pluralistic vision that acknowledges multiple alternative Indigenous relationships and responses to introduced and IAS which can contrib-ute to vibrant futures where all elements of society, including kin in the natural world, are able to flourish
Anishnaabe Aki: an indigenous perspective on the global threat of invasive species
Conservation discourses tend to portray invasive species as biological entities temporally connected to colonial timelines, using terms such as " alien " , " colonizing " , " colonial " , and " native ". This focus on a colonial timeline emerges from scientific publications within conservation biology and invasion ecology and is enacted through invasive species management by state and NGO actors. Colonialism is influential for indigenous nations in myriad ways, but in what ways do indigenous under-standings of invasive species engage with colonialism? We conducted ethnographic research with indigenous Anishnaabe communities to learn about the ways Anishnaabe people conceptualize invasive species as a phenomenon in the world and were gifted with three primary insights. First, Anishnaabe regard plants, like all beings, as persons that assemble into nations more so than " species ". The arrival of new plant nations is viewed by some Anishnaabe as a natural form of migration. The second insight highlights the importance of actively discovering the purpose of new species, sometimes with the assistance of animal teachers. Lastly, while Anishnaabe describe invasive species as phenomenologically entangled with colonialism, the multiple ways Anishnaabe people think about invasive species provide alternatives to native–non-native binaries that dominate much of the scientific discourse.
Invasive Species in Canada: We need to toughen endangered species acts
Alien species, also known as exotic or non-native species, are organisms such as birds, mammals, fish, insects, plants, molluscs or micro-organisms that have been introduced into habitats where they are not naturally found. Invasive alien species are those which out-compete native species for food and habitat, causing native species to move to another area, weaken or die. Fortunately, most alien species are poorly adapted to their new habitat and do not thrive. Those that do pose a very significant threat to the economy, including forestry, fisheries and agriculture. In the past 200 years, more than 185 non-indigenous species have become established in the Great Lakes basin. Some, such as the zebra mussel, Asian carp, sea lamprey and round goby, are aggressive, extremely adaptable and have high reproduction rates enabling them to spread quickly. Unchecked, some invaders out-compete native fish and wildlife, causing them to become endangered. In December 1992, Canada was the first industrialized country to ratify the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Article 8(h) of the CBD requires all signatories to “prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.” In September 2004, Environment Canada released “An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada.” Goals include reducing the number of species entering Canada, ensuring that infestations are detected before they spread and that they are contained or eradicated in a timely manner, and identifying appropriate containment, eradication and control measures. Policy partners include the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Transport Canada and all provincial ministries responsible for forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, parks and natural resources. Many First Nations and non-governmental partners are also involved. The article sets out how mirror laws could be used to develop a more coherent national system of laws to address invasive alien species.
Bennett, T. M. B., N. G. Maynard, P. Cochran, R. Gough, K. Lynn, J. Maldonado, G. Voggesser, S. Wotkyns, and K. Cozzetto, 2014: Ch. 12: Indigenous Peoples, Lands, and Resources. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, J. M. Melillo, Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and G. W. Yohe, Eds., U.S. Global Change Research Program, 297- 317.