RIPARIAS : Links and FAQs

Links

	LIFE programme European Commission Website: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en

	iNaturalist Citizen Science Portal Website: https://www.inaturalist.org

	Waarnemingen Citizen Science Portal Website: https://waarnemingen.be

	European Commission activities on invasive alien species European Commission Website: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htm

	EU Regulation No 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of invasive alien species EUR - Lex Website: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1417443504720&uri=CELEX:32014R1143

Frequently asked questions

Q: where can I learn more about invasive alien species (IAS)?

There are many reliable sources for additional information on IAS. In Belgium, key resources are the Belgian Forum on Invasive Species and the European Union Regulation on invasive alien species where information on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of Invasive Alien Species can be found. Information on invasive species at a global level can be found on the Invasivesnet and the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) websites.

The Belgian Forum on Invasive Species

The European Union Regulation on invasive alien species

The Invasive Species Specialist Group

INVASIVESNET

Ecopedia

Q: where can I get a list of IAS in Belgium?

You will find information on the presence, distribution, auto-ecology, adverse impacts and management of IAS on the Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. It provides a regularly updated reference list of alien species in Belgium along with a black list comprising species with strong detrimental impact on biodiversity. For more information, you can visit the Belgian Forum on Invasive Species’ website.

Q: Why don’t you also focus on other IAS?

LIFE RIPARIAS focuses on a limited number of species. They are further described on the “Invasive Alien Species” section of the project’s website.

The plants and crayfish targeted by the project are listed as invasive alien species of European concern in the European regulation 1143/2014. Additional emerging plants and crayfish included in a forthcoming alert list will also be targeted for early detection and rapid eradication.

There are other initiatives in Belgium that aim to address the issue of invasive alien species. For more information, you can visit the regional portals or the LIFE projects’ database.

Q: Can I get in trouble for moving around or possessing invasive species?

Yes. It is prohibited at EU level to intentionally bring IAS of EU concern, to keep, transport or place them on the market, to grow, reproduce, cultivate and to release them into the environment. You can refer to the article 7 of the EU IAS Regulation 1143/2014 for details on prevention and articles 7 and 8 of the EU IAS regulation 1143/2014 for information on exceptions and permits. As regards other IAS, please refer to regional websites for complementary information.

Flanders: https://www.natuurenbos.be/beleid-wetgeving/overlast-schade/invasieve-exoten

Wallonia: http://biodiversite.wallonie.be/fr/reglement-europeen.html?IDC=6002

Brussels: https://environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/la-biodiversite/problemes-ecologiques-et-sanitaires/les-3

EU Regulation: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htm

Q: Can anyone trap invasive crayfish or do you need a permit?

The capture of the invasive crayfish is achieved by professionals that have special permits to perform this activity. Anyone with a valid fishing permit can also capture crayfish but must limit this activity to places where it is allowed. In addition, only permitted fishing gear must be used and all rules indicated in the fishing permit must be strictly followed. For more information, you can refer to the competent authorities’ website for each region.

Flanders: www.natuurenbos.be/visserij

Wallonia: http://www.maisondelapeche.be

Brussels: https://environnement.brussels/thematiques/eau/leau-bruxelles/etangs-et-cours-deau/la-peche