C1 Conduct enhanced surveillance for emerging and widespread IAS in the pilot area 

Current issue

In Belgium, field surveillance of exotic plants and crayfish species is currently performed by volunteers and water managers on an ad hoc and irregular basis. As a result, there is no quantitative and standardised information on invasion levels along water courses. Current available information is insufficient for conducting rapid eradication of emerging IAS and for designing and prioritising management actions of widespread IAS. Indeed, essential information such as the detailed distribution of widespread IAS and their local abundance are poor or lacking. 

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

Improved surveillance through stakeholders’ engagement and regular surveys provides reliable and updated distribution data about the presence/absence and local abundance of both emerging and widespread target species within the pilot area. This action enhances early detection and rapid eradication process, the identification of management priorities of widespread species while insuring the cost-effectiveness of actions taken.

 

C2 Conduct rapid eradication actions of emerging IAS

Current issue

In Belgium, the rapid eradication of emerging invasive water plants and crayfish has only occasionally been conducted despite this action being acknowledged as a priority action under the EU IAS Regulation 1143/2014.  

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

The permanent removal of new populations of emerging plant and crayfish species takes place through this action. Budget is secured to fully eradicate at least 9 isolated populations of emerging plants and 6 isolated populations of emerging crayfish. This action prioritises closed water systems such as ponds. Aftercare will be conducted during the whole project and after the project when required.

 

C3 Conduct management actions of widespread IAS in priority areas defined in river basin management plans

Current issue

The current management of riparian and submerged invasive plants in the pilot area mostly focuses on 2 invasive plants species; Impatiens glandulifera and Heracleum mantegazzianum. Additionally, management actions often involve multiple field practitioners with little cross-regional coordination, varying levels of management intensity and insufficient resources which leads to frequent re-invasion.

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

Through this action, the exact location for management is identified through the decision support tool. Containment of aquatic plants into core areas and containment of riparian plants outside pest free areas are the main management objectives.

This action allows the implementation of control operations for plant populations described in action A5. More precisely, the action enables to increase the number of IAS targeted through management actions, enhance reaction time but also management intensity and the scope of actions. It also improves the coordination and the follow-up of management actions, making them more cost-effective and more sustainable than what is currently implemented in the field.