A new version of the Invasive Alien Species in Europe app has been published for Android and iOS.
Since this update, the app is now available in 11 European languages and includes new local partners and local species catalogues.
Invasive Alien Species – an increasingly pervasive global problem
The global spread of Alien Species (AS) has accelerated in recent decades, and in some cases these species have become invasive (IAS), threatening native biota, affecting human health, economy, and the environment.
Tackling IAS requires accurate, detailed, and timely information on their occurrence and distribution for early detection, rapid response, and for evaluating the effectiveness of management measures. To achieve these goals, international collaboration, harmonisation and sharing of data is essential.
The JRC’s European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) facilitates the exploration of alien species information, and assists the implementation of European policies on biological invasions.
It constitutes the central platform of the information system foreseen under Article 25 of the EU Regulation (1143/2014) on IAS supporting EU Member States implementation.
Citizens can actively contribute to early detection and monitoring of IAS, contributing to the successful implementation of European policy on biodiversity, including EU Regulation on IAS.
The IAS in Europe app – a citizen science tool
The Joint Research Centre developed the Invasive Alien Species in Europe (IAS in Europe) smartphone app as part of its commitment to citizen science and public engagement.
The IAS in Europe app allows the general public (amateurs and professionals) to receive and share information about IAS in Europe.
By downloading the app, members of the public can
- record invasive species occurrences by through mobile phones’ GPS system and cameras;
- obtain information about a selected number of IAS (pictures, short description, addition useful information);
- gain awareness of the problems caused by IAS in Europe, and actively get involved in the management of IAS.
Latest update
With five new languages interfaces (French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Serbian and Turkish), the app is now available in 11 languages. This has been achieved through the engagement of social media volunteers.
The update also includes new local partners and local catalogues of species, which can be downloaded when the GPS of the device is activated in the areas of the Sava River Basin, and the Iberian Peninsula.
The new local catalogues have been developed through collaborations with international projects and competent authorities:
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Interreg Danube Transnational Programme - Sava TIES: Preserving Sava River Basin Habitats through Transnational Management of Invasive Alien Species
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LIFE INVASAQUA (LIFE17 GIE / ES / 000515), which seeks to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive alien species in the Iberian Peninsula by increasing public and stakeholder awareness through information, communication and training campaigns in freshwater and estuarine habitats.
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The Environment and Resources Authority of Malta, which safeguards the environment to achieve a sustainable quality of life, and mainstreams environmental targets and objectives across Government and society.
Further information
- European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN)
- Invasive Alien Species in Europe app
- Citizen Science Platform
Related Content
European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN)
Details
- Publication date
- 21 October 2020