Actions related to objective 3.7

Full text of the objective 3.7 "Avoid the introduction and mitigate the impact of invasive alien species" from the National Strategy

a. Designate/create a single lead structure to co-ordinate and ensure consistency of application of non-native species policies in relevant fields

Walloon Region:

In discussion

Federal:

Reactivition of the contact group Invasive Alien Species chaired by the Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Security and Environment - DG Environment. This group (depending from the CCIEP biodiversity steering committee) gather Belgian actors (competent administrations, research community, NGOs, etc.). The aim of this group is to discuss administrative and political decisions in order to improve implementation of specific measures related to IAS, coordinate national answers (notification, etc) and Belgian position in EU/international discussions, write thematic reports, etc.

b. Conduct comprehensive and widely accepted risk assessment procedures for intentional introduction of non-native species in the wild

Walloon Region: 

This will be the case for aquacultured species.

Federal:

Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment - DG animals, plants and foodstuffs: launch of a 2 year contractual research project ‘Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for harmful organisms (harmful alien plants included) in the plant sector'. The project includes 3 invasive alien species (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Fallopia japonica and Heracleum mantegazzianum) - évaluation d el'impact environnemental des plantes superieures et vertébrés terrestres et d'eau doucevia le forum IAS et mis een place du prootocle d'evaluation d'imapct environemental pour les especes exotiques naturalisées en BE

c. Develop action plans addressing the main introduction pathways to help prevent intentional and unintentional introductions for all relevant sectors

Walloon Region:

An action plan is in preperation.

d. Revise, enlarge and update the existing legislation to improve handling of invasive non-native species issues

Flanders:

The Decision of the Flemish Government of 21.04.1993 prohibits the introduction into the wild of non-native animal species, unless a special permit is being granted.

Brussels:

It is forbidden to introduce non-indigenous species of birds into the wild. The intentional introduction of non-indigenous species is reglemented. Since january 2007, legislation on species protection and conservation (flora & fauna) is in revision. The aspect of IAS will be an important issue.

Walloon Region: 

The introduction of non-indigenous species or indigenous species of non-indigenous origin in nature is forbidden (except for species used for agriculture and forestry). (décret relatif à la conservation des sites Natura 2000 ainsi que de la faune et la flore sauvage - published on 22 January)

Federal:

North Sea: the Belgian Law of 20.01.1999 (MMM law) forbids the intentional introduction of non-indigenous species in the marine environment without special license (Art. 11, §1). Royal Decree (9 April 2003) measures related to commercialisation of species listed in annex A (excepted for specimens bred in captivity, with CITES certificate).

In 2006, DG Environment has commissionned a study to analyse the federal legislation in order to identify gaps to regulate the introduction of IAS in Belgium. The DG is currently working on the development of a legislative instrument to forbid importation/exportation/transit of IAS (black list)

e. Establish early detection and control mechanisms of detrimental non-native species in the wild

Flanders:

Through the monitoring and inventory of fish occurring in inland waters, alien fish species are also being monitored. . MR271 Visie inzake geïntroduceerde soorten uitvoeren: Gepaste maatregelen met speciale aandacht voor de controle van expansieve exoten.

• MINA-project 20 Soortenbeleid versterken: pilootprojecten bestrijding exoten
• Soortenbeleid: plan van aanpak voor aspect exoten
• Ministerieel besluit om exotenbestrijding mogelijk te maken in reservaten. Several research programmes includes monitoring, assessment of impacts and development of control, mitigation and/or eradication programmes: assessment of the risks posed by the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) and coypu (Myocastor coypus) not only to dikes, crops, and vegetation but also to also to local fish, amphibians, breeding bird species. Monitoring and eradication of exotic plant species in nature and forest areas under management; project for removal of floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) from watercourses.

Walloon Region:

Several research programmes includes monitoring and assessment of impacts e.g. on parakeets, naturalised waterbirds and plants. Programs of control, mitigation and/or eradication will be develloped in future. Some management actions are already in use (e.g. Egyptian goose in parks). Population control of musk rats (Ondatra zibethicus L.) :

1. There is active eradication for the muskrat .
2. There is an interreg III project « Lutanuis » for cooperation between France, Flanders and Wallonia (2000-2006) on :

• how to control the muskrat,
• to define infestation norms
• to put the results on the internet to enhance exchange of information with other countries who encounter problems with the Ondatra.

A study is currently ongoing on how to manage invasive alien plant species along waterways: how to prevent their expansion, how to control them, and on the differents possibilities for the administration to implement these tasks and to communicate the information to other local and regional administrations

Federal:

Management plans have been established. Two international projects were set up to combat the muskrat: one between East- and West-Flanders and Zeeland, another between West-Flanders, the North of France and the Walloon Region. A third international project, aimed at the coypu this time, is being set up for the moment involving the Belgian and Dutch provinces of Limburg, and Germany. The Belgian Forum on Invasive Alien Species (BFIS) provides and gathers scientific knowledge about invasive alien species.

f. Build up and maintain scientific capacity

Flanders:

Monitoring of rare, colonial and introduced breeding bird species (Flemish Special Breeding Bird Project), including alien breeding bird species as the white fronted goose (Anser erythropus), the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis), the Nile (Egyptian) goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus), the mandarin duck (Aix galericu-lata), the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus).
Through the monitoring and inventory of fish occurring in inland waters, alien fish species are also being monitored.
MR271 Visie inzake geïntroduceerde soorten uitvoeren: Gepaste maatregelen met speciale aandacht voor de controle van expansieve exoten.

• MINA-project 20 Soortenbeleid versterken: pilootprojecten bestrijding exoten
• Soortenbeleid: plan van aanpak voor aspect exoten
• Ministerieel besluit om exotenbestrijding mogelijk te maken in reservaten.
• Internationale conferentie over exoten organiseren

Brussels:

Since 1992, data collection has been co-ordinated within the framework of the establishment of a bio-indicator information network. Reliable and recent overview data about exotic species in the Brussels Capital Region are available fot the following groups: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, higher plants, mosses, macrofungi, lichens, crickets, grasshoppers and butterflies. Information of other groups is fragmentary.

Walloon region

• see study mentioned above

Federal:

The ‘Belgian Forum on Invasive Alien Species (BFIS)' provide and gather scientific knowledge about invasive alien species in order to reduce threats to natural ecosystems and to build action plans for preventing or controlling these organisms. BELSPO projects: MODIRISK and ALIEN IMPACT BELGIUM forum on IAS

g. Raise awareness of all relevant sectors to ensure a good understanding of invasive species issues including introduction pathways, economic and ecological impacts

Flanders:

Organisation of a workshop on legislation and policy in relation to IAS (workshop 'SOS invasion' 2006).

• Awareness programmes and financial incentives for using endemic plant species in afforestation projects . Internationale conferentie over exoten organiseren

Walloon Region

• The wallon environment evaluation will have a chapter on the follow-up of invasive alien species guide de reconnaissance des principales palntes invasives le long des cours d'eau
• articles in several newspapers ('forets wallonnes')
• 4 Information sessions will be conducted early 2008

Federal:

Action foreseen early 2008: specific initiative with one relevant sector (plant breeder): round table fan SOS invasions IMPLANBEL poster on IAS

Future actions:

• Resemble and make available information on best practices on the prevention, control or eradication of IAS.
• Establish an Early warning system for the prompt exchange of information between neighbouring countries on the emergence of IAS and cooperation on control measures across national boundaries.