Results of the EPPO/CoE Workshop on the Code of conduct on horticulture and invasive alien plants, Ski (NO), 2009-06-04/05
The EPPO/Council of Europe workshop on the Code of conduct on horticulture and invasive alien plants was held in Ski (NO) on 2009-06-04/05 and gathered 40 participants from 19 countries.
EPPO and the Council of Europe have jointly drafted a Code of conduct on horticulture and invasive alien plants for European and Mediterranean countries, to be published in 2009. In Europe, it is estimated that 80% of the invasive alien plants are voluntarily introduced for ornamental purposes, and international trade is increasing yearly. This major pathway must be addressed urgently to prevent entry and spread of invasive alien plants, as at present, few legislation and management programmes are in place. Voluntary measures to tackle the problem and raise awareness among the horticultural sector and the public are therefore considered a priority.
This Code of conduct provides essential information for governments and the horticultural and landscape sectors on regulation concerning invasive alien plants, plant wastes disposal, labelling of plants, proposing alternative plants, publicity, etc.
This workshop was an opportunity to hear the professionals’ opinion on this initiative through the International Association of Plants Producers (AIPH), as well as the NPPOs’ view. Lessons were learnt on how such a Code of conduct has been implemented in North America. Initiatives taken in the European and Mediterranean region were also presented (e.g. from Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the UK).
Time was dedicated to exchanges and advice, summarized in a recommendation on the drafting and implementation of national Codes of conduct on horticulture and invasive alien plants to Governments and NPPOs, to the horticultural sector, and to international organizations.
This recommendation, the programme of the workshop, the presentations and the list of participants can be found on the EPPO website.
Sources
EPPO Website: www.eppo.org