NEEDS FOR LEGISLATION AND AWARANESS TO COMBAT WITH INVASIVE ALIEN ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

Abstract

Ornamental plants are one of the main necessities of human being who lives in big cities and as one-person families. Ornamental plant sector has been growing not only developed countries but also developing countries. These plants are known among the main pathways of biological invasions, which is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Turkey with over 12000 plant taxa and being the crossroads of three biogeographical regions is considered an important source of plant biodiversity. The aim of this work is to overview current situation of alien ornamental plants (AOP) in flora in Turkey and show possible threat for future and discuss measures should be taken using literature as well as related acquis related. Among alien species in Turkey, 225 species (66%) are ornamental plants which are mainly intentionally introduced. Furthermore, 40 ornamental species that have already planted in Turkey is considered possible invasive species. There is no any dedicated act on invasive alien species. Outputs from activities related to invasive alien plants are not visible. Only two plant species are included in Agriculture Quarantine Regulation. Pest risk analyses results are not shared with general public, which are also tools for awareness creating in general public. “Code of conduct on horticulture and invasive alien plants” that was prepared in Europe with collaboration of stakeholders has not been translated into Turkish. The number of alien species is expected to increase due to changing living habits and increasing AOP imports. It is clear that biologic invasions in Turkey will be bigger problem and Turkey will have difficulty to meet CBD requirements until 2020 due to deficiencies mentioned. Being one of the main invasive alien plant pathways, AOP should be handled more carefully, acquis prepared and keep communication channels open among all stakeholders from policy makers to consumers.