E1 Project dissemination package  

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

LIFE RIPARIAS develops an innovative evidence-based workflow for decision making on IAS management. Considering the large number and diversity of stakeholders involved in IAS decision making and management, information and awareness raising are key to promote the use and replication of this approach in Belgium and Europe. This action increases, therefore, awareness of the project notably through the development and production of key communication tools such as the website, social media accounts, brochures, on-site information boards, etc.

 

E2 Technical communication and training

Current issue

Belgian ecosystem managers often ask for clear guidelines and objective criteria for the planning of IAS sustainable control and more experience and knowledge sharing.

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

LIFE RIPARIAS addresses this gap by disseminating best management practices among technical audiences. Information sessions on IAS identification and reporting systems are organised. LIFE RIPARIAS also increases technical skills of riparian and aquatic ecosystems managers in Belgium and in Europe. It will make managers and field workers aware of the alert list developed, and the evidence-based workflow. Best practice management guides for aquatic plants and crayfish will be developed and serve as a support tool for the training sessions.

 

E3 Transnational knowledge exchange and cooperation outreach

Current issue

A large number of stakeholders are involved in IAS decision making and management in Europe and internationally. Hence, transnational knowledge exchange and cooperation are key for the successful management of IAS. In Europe, LIFE and other projects have raised the quality of IAS management around specific species or areas, including through:

  • LIFE RARITY: innovating crayfish management
  • LIFE RAPID: the introduction of holistic management of IAS in aquatic ecosystems
  • Euphresco ERA-net project DECLAIM: the development of decision support system for the control of invasive alien aquatic plants.

Moreover, several EU Member States and international initiatives have established formal or informal communities of practice made of experts sharing knowledge on IAS management, such as:

  • The French ‘Centre de ressources espèces exotiques envahissantes’
  • The International Association for Open Knowledge on invasive alien species (INVASIVESNET).

Promoting transparent evidence based-decision making for IAS management among these networks is highly important to ensure proper allocation of resources.

LIFE RIPARIAS’ action

The action provides enhanced transnational knowledge exchange on IAS management in Europe and internationally by networking with other projects through international workshops, conferences, etc.