EU sets out options for tackling invasive species

2673, 05/12/08

The European commission will consider proposing new or revised EU legislation to tackle the growing problem of invasive alien species entering Europe, it said a policy paper published on Friday.

The EU executive says controlling invasive species and repairing the damage they cause to nature and human health costs European economies more than E12bn each year.  It estimates that more than 10,000 non-native species are currently present in Europe, and that up to 15 per cent of these cause a "negative economic or ecological impact".

EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas said achieving the EU's goal of halting biodiversity loss will not be possible without action to tackle these "unwanted guests" (EED 30/05/06 http://www.endseuropedaily.com/21061).

The paper sets out different options for action.  A new dedicated legal framework would be the most effective, according to the commission.  This could oblige EU governments to carry out border controls for invasive species.

"Mandatory monitoring and reporting procedures and efficient rapid response mechanisms might also be established", it adds.  Earlier this year the commission claimed widespread support for strong EU action on the issue, based on the results of a public consultation (EED 16/06/08 http://www.endseuropedaily.com/25644).

A second option outlined in the paper would involve adapting existing EU legislation. This could include revising rules on plant and animal health to cover a broader range of potentially invasive organisms, and extending the list of species whose import and movement within the bloc is banned under wildlife trade law.

A third option offered by the commission rules out new legislation but would involve EU governments making voluntary commitments to include invasive species in their border control regimes and to draw up "species eradication plans".  Voluntary codes of conduct could also be drawn up to "encourage responsible behaviour by retailers, users and consumers".

The commission says it will await feedback on the options from MEPs and governments before defining what action will be taken in a new EU strategy on invasive species due in 2010.

Follow-up: European commission http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm, tel: +32 2 299 1111, plus press release

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1890, policy paper

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/docs/1_EN_ACT_part1_v6.pdf,

impact assessment

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/docs/1_EN_impact_assesment_part1_v3.pdf

and assessment summary

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/docs/1_EN_resume_impact_assesment_part1_v3.pdf.

See also reaction from the IUCN http://www.iucn.org/index.cfm?uNewsID=2407.

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