Steps towards more effective citizen action

As discussed in Chapter 1, the impacts of invasive species on agriculture, human and animal welfare and the environment are increasing in many countries, despite laws and policies, and substantial effort and investments by the public and private sectors. The magnitude and pervasiveness of the problem points to an urgent need to do a lot more, and a lot more effectively. In Australia and the US, which we have featured in this book, the environmental and economic harm caused by established invasive species is substantial. As we have emphasised, control of established species relies substantially on citizen action, as well as targeted public investment and other public initiatives. Attempts to oblige unwilling citizens to act as responsible stewards face many practical difficulties, including limits to legal powers and to the economic and enforcement capacity of governments.