There is no sign of saturation in the accumulation of alien species introductions worldwide, while the rate of spread for some AS seems to be increasing. Particular attention must be paid to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) which harm biodiversity and ecosystem services or have a negative impact on the economy, and human or animal health. It was estimated that invasive alien species cost globally USD 70 billion per year.
The management of IAS depends on accurate, detailed and up-to-date information on occurrences, distribution, pathways and impact of IAS at varying spatial scales across Europe and globally. The challenges of gathering information on alien species are recognized, but recent developments in citizen science (CS), that is, the involvement of citizens in data collection or analysis for research projects, provide an opportunity to improve data flow and our knowledge on alien species. Furthermore, it ensures effective and high-quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS.
Why this event?
There is no sign of saturation in the accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, while the rate of spread for some AS seems to be increasing. Particular attention must be dedicated to Invasive Alien Species (IAS), i.e., AS that harm biodiversity and ecosystem services, or have a negative impact on the economy or human health. Managing biological invasions depends on accurate, detailed and up-to-date information on occurrences, distribution, pathways and impact of IAS at varying spatial scales across Europe and indeed globally. The challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized, but recent developments in citizen science (CS), that is, the involvement of citizens in data collection or analysis for research projects, provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS. Further, it ensures effective and high-quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS.
Under the framework of the COST Action Increasing understanding of alien species through citizen science, a first edition of the Alien CSI Bioblitz, a 3-day event across Europe, was organised from 20 to 22 May 2022, in 12 different European countries!
Lead by
Bernat Claramunt and Niki P Chartosia
You can find out more at the event website