Rethinking management success: a transformative roadmap for biological invasions management

Countries that are parties to international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are required to manage biological invasions. Achieving these objectives, whether on a global or local scale, depends on a shared understanding among scientists, stakeholders, and authorities of the effectiveness of management practices. Despite extensive management interventions worldwide, there remains no consensus on what constitutes ‘success’ in biological invasions management. Building on our experience in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) thematic assessment report on invasive alien species and their control, hereafter IPBES IAS assessment, this article reexamines what constitutes “successful management,” arguing that traditional ecology-centered approaches are insufficient. Rather, success must be defined through clear and measurable objectives that integrate ecological, social and economic dimensions. We emphasize the essential role of sustained long-term commitment, adequate funding, inclusive governance, and robust data systems in supporting effective and adaptive management. Particular attention is given to the need for monitoring, standardized data and indicators to link management actions to outcomes, while recognizing the importance of broad stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange. By proposing an inclusive and adaptive approach, and encouraging transparency in communicating successes and failures, we provide a roadmap for strengthening management strategies. This perspective presents a transformative roadmap that redefines management success as an adaptive, evidence-based, and socially inclusive process aligned with global biodiversity and ‘Nature Positive’ goals.