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EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network
Guidelines and Codes of Conduct

Invasive alien species (IAS) have been identified as one of the most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss and change in ecosystem services. Several strategies have been developed and implemented (e.g. eradication, control, containment) yet prevention is unanimously acknowledged as the best available management option.

Guidelines and codes of conduct were developed to build awareness among the relevant professional sectors, prevent introduction of new IAS, the spread of those already established, and their ethical management.

Guidelines

Manual for the management of vertebrate invasive alien species of Union concern, incorporating animal welfare NEW

The implementation of EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS requires EU Member States to implement rapid eradication and management measures of IAS on the Union list taking animal welfare into consideration. To assist Member States Competent Authorities in their endeavour, a “Manual for the management of vertebrate invasive alien species of Union concern, incorporating animal welfare”, and other information material, have been prepared within the framework of contract No. 07.027746/2019/812504/SER/ENV.D.2. “Identification, Assessment, Sharing and Dissemination of Best Practices for Humane Management of IAS”.

Codes of Conduct

The Council of Europe, basing its work on the Bern Convention and with the technical support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Invasive Species Specialist Group, drafted a series of voluntary codes of conduct, covering a number of industries and activities potentially responsible for the introduction of alien species.

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