Strict laws are urgently needed to control the reckless spread of foreign plant and animal species in China, deputies to the National People's Congress said.

It is estimated China has suffered economic losses of some 130 billion yuan ($16.6 billion) because of damage to the natural environment, according to official research data.

Despite the damage, there is still no law in China specifically to control the problem of "infectious" imports, Zhou Xiaoguang, an NPC deputy from East China's Zhejiang Province, said.

Zhou, and another 29 NPC deputies have submitted a motion to the Standing Committee of the NPC, urging the top legislative body to make a law on the invasion of "alien species".

Alien flora chokes the ability of native species to thrive in their own environment, disrupting the natural ecosystem.

"Solidago Sanadensis, or the Canada Goldenrod, has been responsible for the destruction of 30 types of plants since it was found in Shanghai in 1935," Zhou said.

Other foreign plants have also posed a health risk to people. "For example, ragweed, a plant native to North America, has been quickly spreading in China from south to north in the past 70 years, sterilizing arable land and reducing crop output," she said.

"Its pollen causes people to suffer from allergic rhinitis and bronchitis and can lead to hayfever."

Foreign animal species in China include the Amazonian snail, bullfrogs and termites.

With no natural enemies in the new environment, these foreign species threaten China's biodiversity.

It is estimated there are some 400 types of foreign species in China, including terrestrial plants, invertebrates and micro-organisms, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

"It has become urgent for the country to legislate for the prevention and control of alien invasive species to ensure the healthy development of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry," Zhou said.

The law should protect China's biodiversity, safeguard people's health and promote sustainable development, she added.

Peng Zhao, a CPPCC member, supports the proposal, saying that there was a need for an effective "mechanism" to control dangerous imports.

(China Daily 03/15/2007 page5)