Global trade in alien species: a challenge for insect conservation

Globalization and increased trade have created opportunities for accidental and deliberate introductions of invasive species. Human activities, such as air and sea transport or tourism, have contributed substantially to the movement of alien species, constituting the main pathway for the emergence of invaders, particularly those intended for ornamentation. In this chapter, we emphasize the impact of global trade on the invasion of alien species. The number of traded plant and animal species in the coming decades is expected to increase and raise concern over potential biosecurity risks. To mitigate this trend, action needs to be taken toward proposing alternatives and solutions to this challenge. Implementing measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species and detecting their presence is crucial to managing current and future invasions and promoting insect conservation. Regulating the movement of species, banning trade in invasive species, and improving biosecurity measures are therefore imperative.