Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
4. Invasive alien species have serious negative consequences for their new environment and overall biodiversity of the region. Discuss. In what ways can the spread of invasive species be contained? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
Alien trees are invading mountainous areas across South Africa. These are important water generating regions and the trees threaten water supplies in several cities, among them Cape Town and Gqeberha. Both have experienced water shortages in recent years.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the threats posed by invasive alien species and ways to tackle their spread.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.
Body:
First, Explain the various threats posed by them. Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive species in India – threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike, may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth, spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides, affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area
Next, Write about the various government policies and programmes in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the issue.
