Cluster Publication
Invasive non-native species (INS) are species which have moved outside of their natural range, usually with the aid of humans, and are causing environmental or economic damage.
At a global level, INS are believed to be one of the most significant causes behind loss of biodiversity - second only to habitat destruction. Their economic impact is also substantial. A recent study by the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated that INS costEuropein the region of 12 billion Euros every year. Despite the severe damage these species are causing, there is little in the way of a coordinated effort to reduce their impact and spread acrossEurope.
Work conducted within Phase 1 of SEFINS revealed a number of key themes around INS:
- Knowledge transfer, training and advice
- Data and inventories
- Risk management and impact assessments
- Citizen science and awareness raising
These are areas which require further work in order to allow EU Member States to meet the new requirements of the upcoming European Regulation on Invasive Species. This publication uses these key themes as chapters, describing in more detail the activities carried out by the SEFINS cluster projects RINSE, MEMO and Invexo within these areas.