Global transport, trade, and travel flows can contribute to the introduction and spread of alien species. Not all alien species pose a conservation problem. However, some invasive species threaten native biodiversity in their area of introduction and cause high levels of damage to human health and economic activities. A well-known example is the Japanese knotweed, which spreads rapidly along railroad lines, waterways or highways.
EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species provides the legally binding framework for dealing with invasive alien species. In the so-called Union List, the European Commission defines the species of Union-wide importance. This list is continuously expanded. Based on this list, each EU member state must develop a prioritization of non-intentional pathways of introduction and spread, as well as an action plan with corresponding measures.
The first action plan in Germany was announced in 2021. This plan must be revised and submitted to the European Commission by 2025.
adelphi provides technical support to the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation in the revision of the Action Plan. This includes, among other things, the review of the current status of the implementation of the first action plan, the revision of the priority pathways and measures in light of an expanded the Union list, as well as a comparative analysis of the action plans of neighboring EU member states.