European Strategy On Invasive Alien Species

The introduction of alien species can upset ecosystems and have been identified as the second main cause of species extinction at a global level after habitat loss or deterioration. This publication sets out a European strategy to address this issue, developed in the framework of the Bern Convention and in line with guidelines adopted in 2002 on biological diversity. This strategy seeks to encourage the implementation of co-ordinated measures in all European states which are designed to prevent or minimise adverse impacts of non-native species on native biological diversity.

Biological invasions by alien (non-native) species are widely recognized as a significant component of human-caused global environmental change and the second most important cause of biodiversity decline. Alien species threaten many European ecosystems and have serious environmental, economic and health impacts. The DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe) project has now brought together all available information on alien species in Europe (terrestrial, aquatic and marine) and from all taxa (fungi, plants, animals). Thus for the first time, an overview and assessment of biological invasions in the Pan-European region is finally possible. The Handbook of Alien Species in Europe summarises the major findings of this groundbreaking research and addresses the invasion trends, pathways, and both economic as well as ecological impact for eight major taxonomic groups. Approximately 11.000 alien species recorded in Europe are listed, and fact sheets for 100 of the most invasive alien species are included, each with a distribution map and colour illustration. The book is complemented by a regularly updated internet database providing free additional information. With its highly interdisciplinary approach, DAISIE and its Handbook will be the basis for future scientific investigations as well as management and control of alien invasive species in Europe.

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES Invasive Alien Species: Observations and Issues from Around the World Volume 1: Issues and Invasions in Africa Invasive alien species are spreading into new ecosystems each year. The impacts caused by these invaders can be swift and devastating. The topic of invasive alien species is large, complex, and globally significant at various scales, exacerbated by the globalization of world economies and increased trade and commerce that has overcome natural barriers to species movement. Invasive alien species threaten global food supplies, water quality and availability, and energy production and delivery. With the added risks associated with global climate change, the global homogenization of plants, animals, and microbes is a major factor in the decline in ecosystem health and ecosystem services worldwide. To counter this trend, there is a critical need to unify governments, cultures, and programs to improve cross-boundary coordination to effectively address the wide range of invasive alien species threats to the environment, economies, and to plant and animal health; particularly human health. This 4-volume work is the first to compile a set of useful material for key topics, to provide a better understanding of the overall global threat of invasive alien species and the diverse array of problems faced around the world, and assemble material that includes potential replicable solutions to overcome these threats. The books also highlight the threat posed by invasive alien species in terms of a global ‘call to action’. Since invasive species know no boundaries, it is our hope that by compiling material from different scientific and social perspectives around the world, and sharing knowledge and examples of a diverse array of associated topics, we can advance global awareness and improve unified national responses to the threat posed by invasive alien species.

Invasive alien species are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, due to their ability to disperse and cause negative effects on native species and the environment. To reduce the introduction of invasive alien species in the future, preventive measures need to be implemented, and knowledge about pathways of introduction of new and potentially invasive alien species can facilitate tailor-made measures. The aim of this project is to contribute to the fulfilment of obligations in the CBD Aichi target 9 and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 target 5, by identifying and prioritising the most significant pathways of introduction for invasive alien species by conducting a pathway analysis and horizon scanning. This identification and prioritisation is done for 10 participating countries and territories part of the NOBANIS network to assist them in minimising and preventing further introductions and establishment of invasive alien species. Based on the results from the pathway analysis and horizon scanning, this report presents a prioritised list of pathways of interest, general recommendations on measures to control pathways of interest, and advice on development of an early warning system for invasive alien species.

Invasive alien species can upset ecosystems and are one of the main causes of the species extinction. The European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species developed in the framework of the Bern Convention, encourages the implementation of co-ordinated measures in all European states so as to prevent or minimise their adverse impacts on native biological diversity.

The consequences of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species in non-native ecosystems is an area of growing interest for international policymakers and regulators. Globalisation has increased the rate and magnitude of biological invasions, resulting in huge environmental, economic and social costs. Until recently, the effectiveness of international efforts to provide a coordinated response to the threat of alien invasions have been limited. This book considers the existing Multilateral Environmental Agreements and looks at the potential role of regional environmental governance, particularly in consideration of the adoption of the European Parliament and Council regulation 1143/2014 on the management and control of invasive species, to provide an effective response to this global threat.

The spread of invasive alien species (IAS) is creating complex and far-reaching challenges that threaten both the natural biological riches of the earth and the well being of its citizens. While the problem is global, the nature and severity of the impacts on society, economic life, health, and natural heritage are distributed unevenly across nations and regions. Thus, some aspects of the problem require solutions tailored to the specific values, needs, and priorities of nations while others call for consolidated action by the larger world community. Preventing the international movement of invasive alien species and coordinating a timely and effective response to invasions will require cooperation and collaboration among governments, economic sectors, non-governmental organisations, and international treaty organisations. This strategy highlights the dimensions of the problem and outlines a framework for mounting a global-scale response. While both the problem and the scale of the solution may appear dauntingly complex, the issue presents an unparalleled opportunity to respond with actions that link preservation of biodiversity with protection of the health and livelihood of the world's human populations.

This new volume on Biological Invasions deals with both plants and animals, differing from previous books by extending from the level of individual species to an ecosystem and global level. Topics of highest societal relevance, such as the impact of genetically modified organisms, are interlinked with more conventional ecological aspects, including biodiversity. The combination of these approaches is new and makes compelling reading for researchers and environmentalists.

The global scale of alien species invasions is becoming more and more evident in the beginning ofthe new millennium. Though the problem ofbiological invasions became a rapidly growing research area, there are large gaps still, both geographically and the matically, to be filled in the near future. This book is the first attempt to provide an overall picture of aquatic species invasions in Europe. Its geographical scope stretches from Irish waters in the west to Volga River and the Caspian Sea in the east, and from Mediterranean in the south up to the Arctic coast of Europe. Not all parts of the continent could be equally covered, as in some countries species invasions are not studied yet. The book tends to represent the array of all major European aquatic systems on the broadest geographical and ecological scope possible from fully saline seas, semi-enclosed brackish water bodies and coastallagoons to freshwater lakes, major river systems and waterways. The key objectives include the present status and impacts caused by non-native aquatic species in European waters. Please note that lengthy species lists submitted for publication and additional informa tion were put on the Internet, as the electronical version of these tables benefits from computer assisted search for data (http://www. ku. lt/nemo/EuroAquaInvaders. htm). Altogether more than 100 scientists from 24 countries have joined to synthesize the available information on bioinvasions. However, the book does not claim to be fully comprehensive.