DESCRIPTION

"Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity globally, as they negatively impact the ecological stability of invaded habitats and native species, leading to consequent pressures on essential ecosystem functions and services. It is estimated that, in Europe, 11% of the c. 12,000 introduced alien species are invasive, causing significant environmental, economic and social damage and Europe is predicted to receive a further 2,500 IAS by the year 2050.

In recent decades, the implementation of IAS management throughout Europe has been fragmented and uncoordinated despite the implementation of the IAS Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 a decade ago. Across Europe, total invasion costs have been estimated at €116.2 billion for the year 2020.

This “BIP Invasive Alien Species” aligns with EU GREEN’s sustainability mission to tackle environmental, social, cultural and economic challenges in our regions by bringing together IAS researchers and Masters students from transdisciplinary backgrounds to collaborate on the wicked problems posed by IAS and invigorate innovative solutions to burgeoning IAS invasions.

The students will be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to address biological invasions and these skills can later be adapted on problem solving for other sustainability challenges requiring a similar quadruple perspective. The first module provides a background to IAS, the second is on management of IAS with varying case studies, the third is on IAS and society.

The BIP touches on: the Importance of teaching new approaches to deal with IAS, citizen science, remote sensing, sensors, engaging society in prevention and management of IAS, environmental education, participation of citizens in conservation efforts and the Relevance of sharing experiences in managing/controlling IAS across Europe.