Two ambitious multi-stakeholder projects that aim to tackle the threat of invasive alien species have been launched at a conference in Europe.
OneSTOP project aims to tackle the threats caused by invasive alien species (IAS) on terrestrial ecosystems, while its sister project, GuardIAS will cover marine and freshwater-related challenges, thus both of these projects will contribute to alleviate IAS adverse impacts on human health, providing comprehensive coverage of Europe’s ecosystems.
Invasive alien species — animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found — are major threats worldwide, contributing to 60% of plant and animal extinctions and costing over $400 billion annually to global economies. The challenges associated with invasive alien species are likely to intensify with climate change and ongoing globalisation.
The GuardIAS and OneSTOP projects use advanced scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence to develop new tools and methods that will prevent, detect, prioritise, eradicate, and manage invasive alien species — covering all steps of the biological invasion process. In addition, a significant aspect of both projects is public engagement and wider community involvement, including Citizen Science initiatives, outreach and art events, and the development of interactive games to gain support and promote action in addressing the threats of invasive alien species.
Within OneSTOP, GreenFormation will take the lead in exploring societal perceptions and acceptance of invasive alien species and their management, bridging the gap between policy and on-the-ground action. We will also contribute to shaping living labs across five countries, which will work closely with stakeholders to test and refine various management tools and strategies. By further delving into how invasive alien species are framed and understood, we will be able to hone more targeted communication campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives that resonate with different audiences. Our insights will not only support on-the-ground action but also feed into decision-making at the policy level.
Here you can find more information about OneSTOP project and its Milano-based kick-off meeting.
