The implementation of the EU Regulation n°1143/2014 on IAS requires sound scientific input to design adequate actions of prevention, early warning and rapid response and management. The role of scientists is important to advise authorities on the way they should prioritize their efforts and to provide necessary evidence, e.g. when choosing management methods. An efficient collaboration between environmental agencies and scientific experts is therefore needed. In Belgium, the National Scientific Secretariat on Invasive Alien Species has been created to act as a science-policy interface, compile the required data and perform appropriate analysis to feed into the policy making process. Using three case studies as an example, we will present the opportunities and challenges of providing evidence based scientific advice to environmental authorities. The first case study deals with the identification of priority pathways of unintentional spread and introduction of IAS for which preventative measures should be devised. Based on an assessment of the number of species that are being transported along the pathways, and the impact of those species, we advised authorities on the pathways that should be tackled by actions plans. The second example deals with support to the border control agencies in the enforcement of Article 15 on border controls. To this end, we advised which plant and animal consignments should be prioritised for identity checks. This analysis serves as the basis for a first coordinated national campaign of inspections at borders and in shops. Finally, the third example is the production of an assessment of the feasibility of management of Union list species, to inform future management strategies of the environmental agencies. These assessments highlight the need of increased data quality and quantity (on interceptions, imports or management of species). It also stresses the challenge of adapting the analyses to the reality and priorities of environmental authorities.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
