Brussels, 05/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 5 December, the European Commission presented policy options for an EU strategy on invasive allogenic species (IAS) such as coypu, musk rat, giant hogweed or the zebra mussel whose growing numbers are endangering European biodiversity. Introduced either accidentally or intentionally into the EU, these species are multiplying due to the continued growth in trade and transport activity at European and international level, and due to the increasing movement of people around the world.
“Halting the loss of biodiversity in the EU will not be possible without tackling the problem of those unwelcome visitors. Given the way that these become quickly established and spread, measures taken by one member state can have no effect if neighbouring countries fail to take action or respond in an uncoordinated manner”, Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner, states.
On the basis of the results from a public consultation exercise launched in March (EUROPE 9616), the communication adopted by the College on a “Community framework on invasive allogenic species” lays the basis for a harmonised approach and coordinated measures that the Commission plans to present in 2010, taking into account observations made by all parties concerned.
At the top of the list of measures is the immediate establishment of a European early warning and information system which would allow new or emerging species to be noted, in line with the three-stage approach adopted at the international level to combat this scourge (prevention, detection and eradication at an early stage, as well as control and confinement measures).
Another option would be to amend the legislation in force in order to cover a larger number of potentially invasive organisms, and to lengthen the list of species banned by regulations on the trade in wild species.
The third solution would be to develop a new legal framework together with independent assessment procedures and to establish compulsory surveillance and communication procedures for information as well as rapid reaction mechanisms.
Not only can invasive species cause the disappearance of indigenous species, they can also upset local flora and fauna, cause considerable damage to nature, harm human health and have major economic consequences. One only has to think of the zebra mussel that can cause several problems for industry by clogging up water intake systems. The cost of controlling these invasive species and the reparation of damage that they cause in the EU is estimated at around €12 billion annually, at least. Hence the interest to combat this scourge at European level, in addition to the fragmented legislation adopted by only a handful of member states. (A.N./transl.jl)