Conference Agenda

Biological invasions are among the most pervasive forms of ecological and economic externalities, transforming ecosystems, altering production possibilities, and reshaping welfare outcomes. For environmental and resource economists, they raise fundamental questions about efficiency, equity, and optimal management under uncertainty. While much attention has been devoted to the damages they cause, a growing number of invasions blur the traditional line between harmful and beneficial species. From supporting livelihoods and food production to contributing to ecosystem services, these multi-role invasive species challenge conventional management frameworks and call for new economic tools to navigate trade-offs between ecological risks and socioeconomic gains. The session situates the economics of invasions as a frontier in understanding ecological change and societal adaptation, highlighting how economic theory, valuation, and policy design can improve decision-making under uncertainty and contribute to sustainable management of coupled socio-ecological systems.