• 1.1 This Policy shall be called the “Policy for Alien Species Impact Reduction” of Swami Rama Himalayan University.
• 1.2 This Policy shall be deemed to have come into force from the date of approval of the Board of Management of the University.

This policy supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land and aligns with international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and relevant national invasive species management regulations.

• 3.1 All lands, facilities, research areas, and green spaces managed or owned by Swami Rama Himalayan University.
• 3.2 All operational, landscaping, agricultural, educational, and research activities that may introduce or spread alien species.
• 3.3 All employees, students, contractors, suppliers, and partners working on campus or organizational sites.

• 4.1 Prevent intentional or accidental introduction of alien species through operations, landscaping, or trade.
• 4.2 Identify, monitor, and manage invasive alien species within areas of influence.
• 4.3 Restore habitats degraded by invasive species.
• 4.4 Promote awareness, research, and community participation in alien species control and prevention.
• 4.5 Ensure compliance with national and international biosecurity and conservation laws.

• 5.1 Prevention and Early Detection
  • 5.1.1 Conduct risk assessments before introducing any plant or animal species for landscaping, research, or educational purposes.
  • 5.1.2 Maintain a list of approved native or non-invasive species for landscaping and agricultural use.
  • 5.1.3 Prohibit the import, cultivation, or trade of species listed as invasive under national laws or IUCN guidelines.
  • 5.1.4 Implement strict biosecurity measures for imported plants, seeds, or biological materials.
  • 5.1.5 Train staff and students to identify and report potential invasive species sightings.
• 5.2 Control and Management
  • 5.2.1 Regularly survey campus or operational areas to identify and monitor alien species.
  • 5.2.2 Develop and implement Invasive Species Management Plans (ISMPs) for affected areas.
  • 5.2.3 Use ecologically safe control measures (manual removal, biological control, or habitat management) instead of harmful chemicals.
  • 5.2.4 Coordinate with local authorities and conservation agencies for safe removal and disposal of invasive species biomass.
• 5.3 Habitat Restoration
  • 5.3.1 After removal of alien species, implement native vegetation replanting programs to restore ecological balance.
  • 5.3.2 Rehabilitate degraded areas using local species adapted to regional ecosystems.
  • 5.3.3 Promote buffer zones to prevent reintroduction of alien species.
• 5.4 Research and Collaboration
  • 5.4.1 Support and participate in research on invasive species ecology, prevention, and control.
  • 5.4.2 Collaborate with government departments, NGOs, and universities for data sharing and joint initiatives.
  • 5.4.3 Contribute to local, regional, or national invasive species databases and monitoring systems.
• 5.5 Awareness and Capacity Building
  • 5.5.1 Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops for employees, students, and the local community.
  • 5.5.2 Provide training on identification, reporting, and management of invasive species.
  • 5.5.3 Integrate alien species awareness into sustainability, environmental education, and biology programs.
• 5.6 Supplier and Contractor Requirements
  • 5.6.1 Require suppliers and contractors (e.g., landscapers, nurseries, agricultural vendors) to comply with this policy and avoid using or introducing invasive species.
  • 5.6.2 Include alien species control clauses in all landscaping, agriculture, and maintenance contracts.
  • 5.6.3 Verify that materials supplied (e.g., soil, mulch, plants) are free from alien species seeds or fragments.

• 6.1 The Sustainability Committee shall maintain records of alien species identified, controlled, or removed.
• 6.2 Monitor progress annually, including:
  • 6.2.1 Species monitored and managed,
  • 6.2.2 Area restored, and
  • 6.2.3 Reduction in invasive species coverage.
• 6.3 Report findings in the annual Sustainability or Environmental Performance Report.
• 6.4 Review and update management practices based on new scientific information or regulations.

All staff, students, contractors, and partners must adhere to this policy and applicable national biosecurity and biodiversity protection laws.