Project to Free South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands of Invasive Plants is Underway

The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands appoints Indigena Biosecurity International to deliver a five year non-native plant management project.

The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), Antarctica, announced that a project to remove invasive plants in the region is underway. The project will be carried out by Indigena Biosecurity International, a New Zealand based company specializing in ecological management and particularly environmental pests. The goal is to remove 33 out of 41 non-native plant species on GSGSSI by 2020. Invasive plants damage the ecosystem by outcompeting native plants.

Effective management of non-native species is a high priority for South Georgia.

island conservation south georgia pintail
The South Georgia Pintail is one of many species that depend on the island’s native vegetation. David Will/Island Conservation

The team has a “long-standing commitment to conservation work and capacity building in the region.”

Bradley Myer, Managing Director at Indigena, said:

South Georgia is a unique and special place. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute to the protection of its indigenous ecosystems.

island conservation south georgia
South Georgia Island. David Will/Island Conservation

Featured photo: South Georgia Island Landscape. David Will/Island Conservation
Source: Government of South Georgia

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