Apaema denounces the worrying increase in invasive species

PalmThe Association for Organic Agricultural Production of Mallorca (Apaema) denounced the "worrying" situation the island is experiencing due to the arrival and expansion of new pests and invasive species, many of which threaten agricultural activity, biodiversity, and the balance of agroecosystems.

The organization explained in a statement that the most visible and media-intensive of all these problems are invasive snakes, which have already colonized large areas of the island and have completely overwhelmed the control capabilities of the Consortium for the Recovery of Fauna of the Balearic Islands (Cofib). "Their presence generates alarm among the population due to the animosity they cause, as well as the risk they pose to native fauna," maintains the Porreres-based association, which warns that snakes are just the tip of the iceberg.

According to this organization, the problem is much deeper and more systemic, as a large number of new pests have entered Mallorca in the last decade and are affecting agricultural crops and livestock, in some cases in a very significant way. Apaema asserted that being an island should be a factor favoring the isolation of pests, but "this is not the case." The association recalled that there is no other Mediterranean island where this situation is occurring and specified that the reasons have to do with the great human pressure on the territory, climate change, and border and internal controls that "appear to be absolutely insufficient."

More human and economic resources

For this reason, Apaema has called on public authorities to strengthen entities such as Cofib and the UIB, with sufficient human and financial resources to address this new reality, as well as to improve control protocols at ports and airports, especially with regard to plants, soil, animals, and biological materials.

The organization has also advocated establishing a specific monitoring committee within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, with the participation of the agricultural, scientific, and environmental sectors, to monitor the evolution of these species and plan joint measures.