Enfermedades y plagas exóticas: una perspectiva económica

Species introduced intentionally or accidentally in habitats outside their home range are a cause of serious and rapidly increasing ecological and economic damage. Human pathogens (such as HIV), agricultural pests (weeds, predators and pathogens), and invasive species that disrupt entire ecosystems and result in biodiversity loss can be analysed as part of the same problem. The paper has four objectives: (i) to consider the human drivers of the problem and the economic factors in the vulnerability of ecological systems; (ii) present the available evidence on the economic impact of biological invasions and to review the work done so far in the field; (iii) outline the policy problem – the rationale for intervention and the possible decision rules; and (iv) consider the instruments and institutions that may be needed for the management of this still understudied environmental issue.