Invasive plants in Belgium
The Belgian Forum on Invasive Species is an informal expert group aiming at stimulating scientific research on the ecology of invasive alien species as a support to develop efficient monitoring and management strategies. It regularly updates the reference list of alien species invading terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in Belgium and acts as the national node of the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group. This forum is animated in collaboration with the Belgian National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the research teams involved in the INPLANBEL project.
The INPLANBEL project aims at giving references to assess the threats and develop a strategy for management and further research programmes on invasive plants.
The main objectives are:
- definition of studied species and landscapes,
- elaboration of a list of exotic species and their success of invasion in Belgium,
- monitoring of the species dynamism,
- analysis of the characteristics of invasive species and invaded habitats,
- impacts of invasive species on the ecosystems’ functioning.
On the 2006-03-09, a workshop was dedicated to the recent knowledge on biological invasions in Belgium. It took place in Brussels, information is available at http://www.biodiversity.be/static/thematic_forums/invasive_species/invasions/FR/workshop_FR.htm
In the National Plant Protection of Belgium official publication C2005/23058 – object2 Contractual research Unit SPS/FOD, there is a call for PRA on invasive alien species for “Risk Analysis for the introduction of pests (noxious non-indigenous plant included) in the vegetal sector”. This offer is restricted to Belgium Organizations. The call is based on the EPPO list, selected by the EPPO Panel on invasive alien species.
Sources
The Belgian forum on Invasive Species:
INPLANBEL Project: http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=fr&COD=EV/27
Workshop on biological invasions: