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”.
Brochures
Factsheets
Bulgarian
Hungarian
Polish
Romanian
Slovenian
Pet release factsheet
Zoo panels
If you would like printable versions of any of the dissemination materials please contact the EC on ENV-IAS(at)ec.europa.eu
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.