Shifting Language Used in Invasive Ecology
This new paper by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture is working to shift the language we use in order to foster a more inclusive approach to the field of invasive ecology.
"Summary: The Vermont Agency of Agriculture's Plant Health Section is dedicated to protecting the state's plant resources while promoting sustainable management practices through an inclusive and holistic approach. Recognizing the power of language in shaping public attitudes and behaviors, the section has undertaken a significant revision of historically exclusionary, combative, and sometimes racist terminology used in invasive ecology. By adopting more accurate, neutral, and respectful language, the Plant Health Section aims to better reflect the complexities of species introductions and avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This effort not only respects and aligns with Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge by emphasizing stewardship over conflict but also aligns with the VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets broader commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability. The Plant Health Section will make an internal transition to using the term "introduced" with specific qualifiers instead of "invasive," recognizing that language shapes perceptions and informs the strategies we use to manage ecological challenges. This intentional shift in language is aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing community involvement, and promoting a scientifically sound and socially just approach to the agency’s plant health related responsibilities."
-Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Plant Health Section