Abstract ID: 3.11658 | Accepted as Poster | Poster | TBA | TBA

Mountains, while usually considered less affected by invasive species compared to other ecosystems, are under increasing pressure from both historic and emerging biological invasions, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. The impacts caused by invasive species in mountain environments are also intensifying, with cascading effects ranging from single-species disruptions to large-scale ecosystem transformations. Furthermore, unexpected interactions with other drivers of global change, such as land-use change and climate change, are worsening the overall effects of biological invasions. The 2030 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, specifically its Target 6, calls for strong action to halt biological invasions: “Eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species, preventing the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species, reducing the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50 per cent by 2030, and eradicating or controlling invasive alien species, especially in priority sites, such as islands.” Here, we present an initial assessment of how mountain regions are addressing Target 6 and identify key gaps in data, policies, and management tools to combat the threat of biological invasions. We draw on evidence from the recently published IPBES invasive species report, as well as over 20 years of research conducted by MIREN (Mountain Invasion Research Network) across all continents except Antarctica. Based on this, we provide critical recommendations for advancing research, policy, and management strategies to meet Target 6 in mountain regions, incorporating insights from the new IUCN invasive species toolkit. Research funded by Fondecyt 1231616 and ANID/BASAL FB210006.