Protecting European Biodiversity from Invasive Alien Species

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IMPROVING POLICIES TO PROTECT BIODIVESRITY FROM INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES: Biological invasions are considered to be one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) can act as vectors for new diseases, cause native species’ extinction, change ecosystem processes, and reduce the value of land and water for human activities. INVALIS will enable the participating territorial authorities to address common challenges associated with biological invasions such as a) knowledge gaps in ecosystems’ vulnerability to biological invasions and species’ distribution, b) lack of awareness about IAS environmental and socioeconomic risks, c) low level of cooperation between public authorities and key stakeholders for the implementation of IAS management measures, and c) conflicts of interests. OBJECTIVE: INVALIS brings together 7 partners from 7 countries, to improve their environmental policies, by supporting policy measures for the prevention, early detection and control of IAS. EXPECTED IMPACT: - Increased capacity of 200 staff of public administrations to effectively implement IAS management policies. - 10 million euros unlocked to support projects for increasing natural ecosystems’ resilience to IAS and to carry out eradication/control actions for high priority species. - Increased awareness of over 1000 stakeholders about IAS impact on the biodiversity, economy and human health. MAIN OUTPUTS & BENEFICIAIRIES: - 6 action plans to improve the addressed policy instruments, benefiting managing authorities and beneficiaries. - 3 interregional workshops, 2 site visits and 1 EU-wide policy learning event to promote capacity building among partners and stakeholders . - 18 policy briefs to transfer INVALIS lessons learnt to EU public authorities. - A risk assessment framework for EU public administrations to assess regional ecosystems’ vulnerability to IAS. - 4 baseline analysis reports on territorial needs and IAS management practices.

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