Abstract
Van Wilgen, B. W. 2012. Evidence, perceptions, and trade-offs associated with invasive alien plant control in the Table Mountain National Park, South Africa. Ecology and Society 17(2): 23. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04590-170223
Highlights
Invasive alien species affect agriculture, forestry, and human health, and are widely recognized as the second largest global threat to the conservation of biodiversity (Wilcove et al 1998, Walker and Steffen 1999)
These invasive alien plants include several species of trees, notably pines (Pinus species) and eucalypts (Eucalyptus species), which historically have been grown in plantations, and which are utilized for recreation by the city’s residents
The degree to which this threat has been brought under control through the systematic, long-term implementation of control programs, often in the face of ongoing criticism, is a remarkable conservation success story
Summary
Invasive alien species affect agriculture, forestry, and human health, and are widely recognized as the second largest global threat (after direct habitat destruction) to the conservation of biodiversity (Wilcove et al 1998, Walker and Steffen 1999). These circumstances included a desire on the part of the newly elected democratic government to change many things following three centuries of discriminatory rule, with a focus on improving the lot of the rural poor Against this background a group of ecologists presented the viewpoint to the government that invasive alien plants were a large and growing national problem, presenting a serious threat to water resources, and that by actively addressing these problems, poor people in underdeveloped rural areas would be able to secure employment. Continued support for Working for Water was secured through a demonstrated ability to invest the allocated funds and create employment at a time when most government departments found this difficult due to a lack of capacity (van Wilgen et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
