Vietnam must improve its ability to control invasive alien species(IAS), participants said at a workshop in Hanoi on November 19.

IASrefers to animals or plants introduced accidentally or deliberatelyinto a new environment that pose serious threats to native plants andanimals.

Managing IAS in Vietnam has become increasinglydifficult in recent years due to increased international commerce andglobalisation. Moreover, the country's ability to control IAS is limitedby the lack of regulations on first-time imports of plants and animals,as well as the lack of clear guidance on how to deal with IAS once theyenter the country, according to the Biodiversity Conservation Agencyunder the Ministry of Resource and Environment.

The agencyrecommended through evaluation before introducing any new species intothe country, in addition to a review and revision of the 2008Biodiversity Law and greater cooperation from ministries and localauthorities in responding to threats posed by IAS.

Localauthorities must start with raising awareness about IAS and providingequipment to local officials, especially at border checkpoints wheregoods are inspected before import, said Duong Minh Tu from the PlantProtection Department.

Representatives from the Department ofLivestock Production were particularly concerned about IAS spreading inrural areas, where farmers who lacked information on IAS raised variouskinds of plants and animals in order to gain extra income.

Applesnails,wingless cockroaches and hamsters, categorised as IAS in Vietnam andposing serious threats to the environment and human health, were oncecultivated in rural areas.

The department recommended raisingawareness about IAS in rural communities and issuing stricterregulations to control or exterminate species that proved harmful.

Otherworkshop participants proposed that the Government prioritisepre-border control methods to limit the number of IAS entering thecountry, improve the current legal framework and step up internationalcooperation.-VNA