Motion 013

The proposed motion focuses on addressing the environmental and socio-economic impacts of Eucalyptus monocultures established outside their natural range. These plantations, while economically important, often lead to significant biodiversity loss, soil degradation, water depletion, and increased wildfire risks. Despite existing IUCN efforts to combat invasive species and manage forestry plantations, a dedicated approach to this issue is necessary due to the unique combination of ecological and economic factors surrounding Eucalyptus.

This motion seeks to promote sustainable management practices and ecological restoration in affected areas, prioritizing the recovery of native forests and the adoption of diversified forest and agroforestry systems. It also calls for stronger regulations to limit the expansion of monocultures in sensitive ecosystems and for coordinated international research to better understand the long-term impacts of Eucalyptus plantations.

The implementation of this motion would require financial support for scientific research, policy development, and restoration projects. Key funding sources could include national conservation budgets, international biodiversity programs, and public-private partnerships. Human resources needed include forestry experts, ecologists, local stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to ensure effective implementation and monitoring.

A motion is necessary because existing frameworks often address invasive species management broadly but fail to provide tailored strategies for commercially valuable species that simultaneously act as invasives. In this case, alternative approaches, such as relying solely on voluntary guidelines or regional agreements, have proven insufficient to mitigate the growing environmental pressures linked to these plantations. A formal motion would elevate the issue to a global platform, encouraging more cohesive and effective action across regions.

By adopting this motion, the IUCN can spearhead a coordinated response, providing member states with clear guidelines and tools to balance economic interests with conservation priorities, reinforcing ecosystem resilience, and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.