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The 2020 global spatial targets for protected areas set by the Convention on Biological Diversity have almost been achieved, but management e3ffectiveness remains deficient.

The aim of this toolkit is to provide a clear, user-friendly guide to the application of economic approaches and tools to invasive species. It addresses the issues associated with identifying the factors which cause the spread of invasives, incorporating consideration of invasive species into economic planning and policy-making, and identifying economic tools and measures to support on-the-ground management actions designed to address biological invasions. This toolkit has been produced for use in training courses to be held in Africa. It is targeted primarily at economists working in research and planning – in universities, research institutions, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. However, it is intended that the toolkit will also provide guidance on economics tools and approaches to scientists who are working on invasive species management.

This document reports on a project reviewing the use of economic measures in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, carried out by IUCN - The World Conservation Union between September 2000 and September 2001. This project was funded by the GEF as part of the Biodiversity Planning Support Programme (BPSP), with co-finance provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) under the project Supporting Global Action to Conserve Biodiversity and Sustainable Use Biological Resources: Phase III

Although it is now widely acknowledged that economic analysis and the use of economic instruments are key to dealing with the problems associated with biological invasions, there remains little guidance as to how economic approaches and tools should be applied in practice. Invasive species have many unique and unusual characteristics which set them apart from other environmental and land use issues, meaning that analysis does not lend itself easily to conventional economic models. A more innovative and thoughtful approach is thus required, which is tailored to the specific issues, problems and features of invasives. Economic analysis needs also to be targeted to providing practical and policy-relevant techniques and information which can be used to support and inform real-world policy, planning and management.

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