Our AREAS OF IMPACT: Remove Invasives from Global Habitats
Our vision is that global habitats are free of invasive species, pests, and pathogens.
Invasive species, pests, and pathogens, are some of the leading causes of extinction, and for some ecosystems like islands, they’re an existential threat. Non-native organisms introduced to new environments – often due to human activities like transport, trade, and habitat changes – can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, resulting in disruptions to local ecosystems. In many cases, the definition of invasive species is too narrow. Beyond insects, grasslands, birds or other animals, invasive species can also be viruses and pathogens that have swift and devastating impact when they reach non-native regions.
We don’t limit our definition of invasives to plants and animals; we consider the unwanted spread of viruses, pathogens and other diseases as a major consequence of non-native species movement and also a significant threat to biodiversity and human health. We prioritize early detection of the presence of invasive pests and pathogens – whether in specific regions, landscapes or in trafficked animals or food – to avoid zoonotic spillover and biodiversity loss. Solutions in this space are things that impact survivability, detection, or spread of invasive species, which can outcompete native species for space and food, increase predation, or spread disease.
