Alien Species Policy

Executive Summary

Navoi State University (NSU) acknowledges that alien and invasive species can seriously disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species and undermine the ecological integrity of campus green spaces. This policy sets out a structured approach to preventing the introduction of problematic alien species, detecting them early where they occur, and managing or removing them in a safe, ethical and scientifically informed way.

The policy aligns NSU practice with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law on Environmental Protection and international guidance on invasive alien species. It also provides evidence for NSU’s contribution to SDG 15 in QS Sustainability, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric.

1. Introduction

Alien species are plants, animals or microorganisms introduced outside their natural range through human activity. Some alien species become invasive, spreading rapidly and causing ecological, economic or social harm. University campuses, with their constant movement of people, goods, planting materials and research specimens, are particularly vulnerable to the introduction and spread of alien species.

At NSU, alien ornamental plants, imported lawn species, non-native trees or research organisms may unintentionally establish in campus gardens, green areas or nearby natural habitats. Without clear management rules, such species can displace native flora, alter soil and water regimes, and reduce habitat quality for local fauna. This policy therefore treats alien species management as an integral part of NSU’s responsibility under SDG 15 – Life on Land.

The policy is linked to NSU’s broader sustainability agenda, including its Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Policy, Water Reuse and Sustainability Policy, and Green Campus Strategy. Together, these frameworks position NSU as a leader in environmental stewardship in the higher education sector of Uzbekistan.

2. Policy Purpose

The main purposes of the Alien Species Impact Reduction Policy are to:

• Identify alien and potentially invasive species present on NSU campuses and in adjacent areas influenced by university activities.

• Prevent the introduction of new high‑risk alien species through strengthened procurement, planting and research protocols.

• Reduce or eliminate the impacts of existing invasive alien species on native biodiversity, ecosystem services and campus users.

• Integrate alien species risk management into teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement activities.

• Provide clear evidence and indicators of NSU’s contribution to SDG 15 in national and international sustainability reporting.

3. Scope and Definitions

This policy applies to all NSU campuses, branch locations, experimental sites and other areas where the university has operational control or significant influence. It covers landscaping, maintenance, construction, teaching, research and any other activity that may involve the introduction, cultivation or management of species.

For the purposes of this policy:

• “Alien species” refers to species introduced outside their natural range through human activity.

• “Invasive alien species (IAS)” refers to alien species whose introduction and/or spread threaten biodiversity or ecosystem services.

• “High‑risk alien species” refers to alien species assessed as likely to become invasive in local conditions, based on national lists or scientific advice.

4. Policy Principles

Implementation of this policy is guided by the following principles:

5. Strategic Objectives and Key Actions (2025–2030)

To turn the policy principles into practice, NSU adopts the following strategic objectives and key actions for the period 2025–2030.

6. Implementation Plan and Governance Structure

The governance structure for alien species management at NSU is as follows:

An Alien Species Action Plan, as part of the Annual Green Campus Action Plan, will specify concrete activities, timelines and budgets. Progress will be reviewed at least twice per year, and priorities adjusted based on monitoring results and emerging risks.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Monitoring and evaluation are essential for understanding whether alien species risks are being effectively reduced. Indicators will be tracked at campus level and, where relevant, aggregated for institutional reporting.

Monitoring results will be summarized in an Annual Biodiversity and Alien Species Report produced by the Green Campus Committee. Key indicators will be used in NSU submissions for QS Sustainability, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric, demonstrating concrete action on SDG 15.

8. Financial Framework

NSU will allocate dedicated resources within its Sustainability Fund to support alien species management, including surveys, control measures, training and communication activities. Additional funding may be sought from external grants and partnerships.

9. Communication and Awareness

Communication and awareness‑raising are vital to reduce unintentional introduction and spread of alien species. NSU will develop a targeted communication plan focusing on practical guidance for staff and students.

10. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be formally reviewed at least once every three years, or earlier if new legislation, scientific information or campus developments require significant changes. The Green Campus Committee will coordinate the review, drawing on monitoring data and feedback from stakeholders.

Revisions to the policy will be submitted to the Rector’s Office for approval. Updated versions will be circulated to all relevant units and published on the university website as part of NSU’s transparency and accountability commitments.

11. References and Alignment

This policy is aligned with the following key documents and frameworks:

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 15 – Life on Land.

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guidance on invasive alien species.

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2023–2030).

• Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Protection (2021).

• Navoi State University Sustainability Strategy and Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Policy.

• QS Sustainability, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric criteria related to biodiversity and invasive species.

By approving and implementing this Alien Species Impact Reduction Policy, Navoi State University confirms its determination to prevent and reduce the harmful impact of alien species on campus ecosystems and to contribute actively to the protection of life on land in Uzbekistan and beyond.