Protecting ecosystems by way of biological control: cursory reflections on the main regulatory instruments for biological control agents, present and future
Abstract
Although there are numerous threats to ecosystems and the resultant ecosystem
services, alien and invasive plants (AIP) have been identified as being one of the
major causes of ecosystem destruction. In addressing the threat of alien and
invasive plants through the use of various mechanisms, the regulatory framework
imposed by legislation is key in ensuring that that controlling AIPs does in fact not
do more harm than good. One such control mechanism, which has the potential to
do wonders or wreak havoc if not adroitly implemented, is that of using biological
control agents. This contribution provides a brief overview on the three main
regulatory instruments used to control biological control agents in South Africa,
namely the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983, the Agricultural
Pests Act 36 of 1983 and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
10 of 2004. It also considers possible future developments on the regulation of
biological control agents.