Price, Courtney. “Home.” CAFF, 2019, caff.is/invasive-species.

 

CAFF, (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) and PAME, (Protection of Arctic Marine Environment) has developed an action plan called ARIAS, (Arctic Invasive Alien Species) to prevent the threat of invasive species in the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem. They have partnered to highlight a list of priorities for the Arctic Council to avoid the spread and introduction of invasive alien species. Although the actions are not specified, they aim to “provide guidance on where to start, where to place priorities, and where to invest in the future of the Arctic.” There is a lot of urgency behind these efforts due to the imminent threat of climate change and increased human activity in the area, as more invasive species are expected to arrive as an effect.

The efforts being made by CAFF and ARIAS are commendable and wise in terms of protecting the arctic before its ecosystem is harmed to a point of no return. By anticipating the effects of climate change the two organizations are able to prevent the outcomes of habitat destruction and displacement that has become an unfortunate reality for many species all over the world due to invasive species. Humans are responsible in large for invasive species and it is good that efforts are being made to halt the practices of reckless human activity by bringing forth strong incentives to the Arctic Council.