Master Plan for invasive non-native species

HUB BERN | Project LANAT-7

Our goal:

Develop a strategy for efficient monitoring and control of invasive non-native species in the Canton of Bern.

The annual fleabane (Erigeron annuus) is an invasive alien plant that is spreading quickly and causes harm in agriculture and protected areas in particular. Photo: Werner Stirnimann

In a nutshell:

Invasive non-native species, also referred to as neobiota, can be either plants or animals. They primarily make it into Switzerland as a result of global trade or deliberately planted as ornamental plants. Climate change enables neobiota to take root far away from their areas of origin. Neobiota can displace native species, destabilize infrastructure, affect agricultural production or forestry, and in some cases present a health hazard.

The project “Master Plan for invasive non-native species” is developing the basis for setting priorities in the Canton of Bern and defining effective and cost-effective methods for dealing with invasive species. The roles and responsibilities within the Canton will be clarified and the distribution of neobiota in protected areas will be analyzed.

Additionally, as part of the project, it will also be tested whether and how local actors can be involved in the monitoring and control of invasive species (the "Erigeron" subproject).

Prompt, coordinated containment measures pay off. In this way, the population of invasive alien plants can be reduced and controlled over the long term. Graphic: Amt für Abfall, Wasser, Energie und Luft des Kantons Zürich (Office for Waste, Water, Energy and Air of the Canton of Zurich)

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In collaboration with:

Office for Agriculture and Nature of the Canton of Bern