Table 20.1
Risk analyses for alien species in South Africa as implemented and/or recommended based on international best practice
Type
Purpose of risk analysis
Process in South Africa
Recommended process
Import of alien species
To prevent the import of species
with high potential of invasion
and harm and allow import of
beneficial species with low risk
From October 2014 as per the NEM:BA A&IS
Regulations: detailed information required
including on species’ biology, ecology,
behaviour and proposed activity, although
there is no template for such information
nor how such information is used to arrive
at a risk analysis recommendation. The
decision is made by the DEFF in consultation with other national and provincial
departments. As of 2017, ASRARP has
been acting as a scientific review body for
such recommendations
Implementation of clear guidelines for risk
analysis including standardised and
transparent calculations of risk levels;
review by a scientific body
(e.g. ASRARP) set as a legal requirement. Decisions made by governmental
committee chaired by DEFF.
Listing of species under
national legislation
To underpin the regulation of alien
species with scientific evidence in a transparent way, as
required by international
agreements
After 2004 a series of working groups met to
provide expert opinion on the regulated
lists. Recommendations and the rationale
for decisions have not been clearly
documented. Listing decisions are sent for
public comment
Implementation of transparent decisionmaking process, including framework
and guidelines as outlined in Figs. 20.2
and 20.3; review of analysis by
ASRARP; decision for listing is made
by government, and promulgated for
public comment.
Permitting for restricted
activities involving
listed alien species (Category 2 under NEM:BA
A&IS Regulations)
To ensure the safety of the proposed activity related to listed
alien species and mitigate the
risks posed
Risk analysis framework as outlined in the
NEM:BA A&IS Regulations
Development and implementation of clear
guidelines for risk analysis focussing on
the nature of the proposed activity (risk
management); development of permit
conditions for all Category 2 listed
species based on scientific evidence
Biological control
To ensure the safety of the release
of biological control agents
and limit non-target effects
Host specificity tests under quarantine;
detailed release application reviewed by
Biological control Release Committee
The current process has had an ideal safety
record
Acronyms: NEM:BA A&IS Regulations
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) Alien and Invasive Species
Regulations, 2014; ASRARP
Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel; DEFF
Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries
20 Analysing the Risks Posed by Biological Invasions to South Africa
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Risk analyses for alien species in South Africa as implemented and/or recommended based on international best practice
Type
Purpose of risk analysis
Process in South Africa
Recommended process
Import of alien species
To prevent the import of species
with high potential of invasion
and harm and allow import of
beneficial species with low risk
From October 2014 as per the NEM:BA A&IS
Regulations: detailed information required
including on species’ biology, ecology,
behaviour and proposed activity, although
there is no template for such information
nor how such information is used to arrive
at a risk analysis recommendation. The
decision is made by the DEFF in consultation with other national and provincial
departments. As of 2017, ASRARP has
been acting as a scientific review body for
such recommendations
Implementation of clear guidelines for risk
analysis including standardised and
transparent calculations of risk levels;
review by a scientific body
(e.g. ASRARP) set as a legal requirement. Decisions made by governmental
committee chaired by DEFF.
Listing of species under
national legislation
To underpin the regulation of alien
species with scientific evidence in a transparent way, as
required by international
agreements
After 2004 a series of working groups met to
provide expert opinion on the regulated
lists. Recommendations and the rationale
for decisions have not been clearly
documented. Listing decisions are sent for
public comment
Implementation of transparent decisionmaking process, including framework
and guidelines as outlined in Figs. 20.2
and 20.3; review of analysis by
ASRARP; decision for listing is made
by government, and promulgated for
public comment.
Permitting for restricted
activities involving
listed alien species (Category 2 under NEM:BA
A&IS Regulations)
To ensure the safety of the proposed activity related to listed
alien species and mitigate the
risks posed
Risk analysis framework as outlined in the
NEM:BA A&IS Regulations
Development and implementation of clear
guidelines for risk analysis focussing on
the nature of the proposed activity (risk
management); development of permit
conditions for all Category 2 listed
species based on scientific evidence
Biological control
To ensure the safety of the release
of biological control agents
and limit non-target effects
Host specificity tests under quarantine;
detailed release application reviewed by
Biological control Release Committee
The current process has had an ideal safety
record
Acronyms: NEM:BA A&IS Regulations
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) Alien and Invasive Species
Regulations, 2014; ASRARP
Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel; DEFF
Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries
20 Analysing the Risks Posed by Biological Invasions to South Africa
583