It is now recognized that invasive alienspecies (IAS) pose a major threat to agricultural andnatural ecosystems, and to human health and livelihoods.These non-native species, which are accidentally orintentionally introduced into new areas, range from microbesto mammals. This report examines the precise origins of manyexisting IAS problems, particularly in the developing world,which remain poorly understood. This complicates assessmentsof the relative importance of different vectors and pathwaysfor IAS introductions, and the prediction of future risks.International assistance programs can facilitate bothdeliberate, and unintentional IAS introductions. Suchmisjudgments and accidents are costly; indeed, theirnegative effects may be far greater, and more long-lastingthan the positive impacts of the aid programs from whichthey arose. It is thus suggested that knowing how, and fromwhere, IAS are being introduced are important first steps inthe development of effective prevention and early detectionschemes. An urgent, and fuller, assessment is needed on thenature and severity of IAS threats associated withinternational assistance programs. Particular attentionneeds to be paid to vectors and pathways of movement. Partof the focus should be on case studies, in order toelucidate more fully constraints in relation to existingprevention schemes. Nonetheless, some actions should beconsidered in advance, including awareness raising to aidagencies, and promoting the development of voluntary codesof conduct, and risk assessments.
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