Brussels, Belgium
December 5, 2008
The European Commission presented
a series of policy options for developing a strategy to deal
with species from abroad which are threatening European
biodiversity. Invasive species are a major threat to native
plants and animals in Europe. One such example is the Harlequin
ladybird, originally from Asia, which poses a deadly threat to
native ladybirds in the UK, as well as to butterflies and other
insects. Invasive species can disrupt local flora and fauna and
cause considerable damage to nature and human health. They can
also have significant economic impacts: controlling invasive
species and repairing the damage they do is estimated to cost
European economies at least €12 billion each year. Although some
EU countries have legislation to protect their national
biodiversity, there is no harmonised approach across the EU. The
Communication puts forward a number of policy options for a
coordinated approach and measures that can be put in place
immediately, including a Europe-wide early warning system to
report new and emerging species.
European Environment
Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "Invasive species are a major
threat to biodiversity. Halting the loss of biodiversity in the
EU will not be possible without tackling the problem of these
unwelcome visitors. Given the way that these become quickly
established and spread, measures taken by one Member State can
have no effect if neighbouring countries fail to take action or
respond in an uncoordinated manner. The ecological, economic and
social consequences of the spread of invasive species for EU
countries are serious and need a harmonised response."
The problem of invasive
species
Invasive species have been
brought to Europe either accidentally or intentionally for a
variety of purposes such as agriculture and forestry. The
constant growth in international and European trade and
transport activities and the increasing movement of people
around the world means that the number of these species is
rising.
The coypu and the musk rat,
both brought to Europe from the Americas for their fur, are now
established throughout Europe and cause significant damage to
dams, canals, irrigation and flood protection systems. One of
the most notorious invasive species is the zebra mussel, which
as well as causing significant ecological damage, also causes
major problems for industry by fouling intake pipes for water
extraction.
The DAISIE* project, supported
under the EU's Sixth Research Framework Programme, has
identified 10,822 non-native species present in Europe. 10-15%
of these are expected to have a negative economic or ecological
impact.
Isolated islands with high
biodiversity are exceptionally vulnerable to invasion, which can
have a disproportionate impact on local livelihoods, culture and
economic opportunities.
Current methods for tackling
invasive species in Europe
Existing EU legislation and
policies, such as those covering nature, plant and animal
health, water and trade regulations, already provide part of the
solution to the problem of invasive species. However, there is
no harmonised system or consistency of approach between
neighbouring countries to monitor and control invasive species
and their effects on European biodiversity.
The need for coordinated action
has been expressed at the highest political level and a
commitment to an EU strategy is included in the EU's Action Plan
to halt biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond.
Earlier this year the
Commission launched a public survey to gather suggestions on how
to tackle the issue effectively at EU level.
Proposed options for an EU
strategy on invasive species
The Commission proposes a
number of possible options. These include maximising the use of
existing legislation together with voluntary measures. This
would involve carrying out risk assessments using existing
institutions such as the European Food Safety Authority.
Voluntary measures proposed include regular border control
checks by Member States and voluntary codes of conduct to
encourage responsible behaviour by retailers and consumers.
The Commission is proposing the
immediate setting up of a Europe-wide early warning and
information system to report new and emerging species. This is
in line with an internationally agreed three-stage approach to
tackle invasive species which is based on prevention, early
detection and eradication, and control and containment measures.
Another option is to amend
existing legislation to cover a broader range of potentially
invasive organisms. The list of species banned under trade
regulations for wildlife could also be extended.
The last option is to develop a
new legal framework for tackling invasive species with
independent procedures for assessment and intervention. A
dedicated agency could also be set up to deal with technical
aspects. Mandatory monitoring and reporting procedures and rapid
response mechanisms could also be established.
Next steps
Feedback from stakeholders and
other EU institutions will be taken into account by the
Commission in finalising its proposal for an EU strategy which
it intends to bring forward in 2010.
* DAISIE (Delivering Alien
Invasive Species Inventories for Europe), www.europe-aliens.org
For more details visit:
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http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htm
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http://www.tvlink.org/home.cfm?dg=env |
