An environmental advocate has spoken of the need for the country to look into the issue of invasive alien species because they are affecting indigenous plants.

Speaking to Yoneco FM online on the sidelines of the world biodiversity day which falls on 22 May annually, environmental advocate Matthews Malata said swift action is needed on these unfamiliar species because they will affect tourism, agriculture and water sector among others.

“These are plants that usually sprout or are introduced in natural environments and they colonize the area for instance trees, flowers and when they take the natural space they do not regenerate,” he said.

Malata cited Mulanje Mountain as one the sites affected by the evasive alien species where indigenous flowers and trees are no longer in sight.

He said a collective responsibility will be required in order to care for the environment.

This year the world biological diversity day is being commemorated under the theme “We are part of the solution”.