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Description
IAS pose severe threats to local biodiversity, ecosystem services, environmental quality and human health. Climate change is creating new opportunities for them to establish and spread to new areas. The project addresses Article 8 (h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 (Target 5), the Strategy for Responsible Development to 2020 (incl. perspective to 2030) 8, regulations of EP and the Council of the EU, and also national and local regulations.
The project is a comprehensive approach to protect sensitive terrestrial and riparian ecosystems. Main tasks focus on eradication of high impact IAS and reduction of their occurrence involving the application of recommended measures matched to the targeted species, specificity of local conditions and relevant laws. The tasks are related to identifying and eliminating the sources of the spread of IAS, monitoring of effects of the measures, restoration of plant communities and educational activity
Elimination/reducing the impact of IAS; knowledge about early detection and 4 methods of eradication of IAS; exchange of experiences; increased public awareness of climate change impact on ecosystems.
Society in general, especially local communities in the areas covered by the project, administration of local governments, agricultural advisors, gardeners, beekeepers.
The project strengthens existing cooperation and opens new collaboration between 7 partners: University of Silesia in Katowice, University of Agriculture, Institute of Technology and Life Sciences, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Institute of Nature Conservation, Magura National Park and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research. Each partner will bring to the project its own expertise, experience and will support the project financially. The partnership will contribute to achieving the Programme’s Outcome and the participation of the Norwegian partner will extend its range.
Summary of project results
The overarching goal of the Project ‘Integrated approach to the protection of ecosystems against invasive alien plants in southern Poland - IAS/EcoSystemCARE’ was to strengthen the resilience of selected ecosystems, primarily riparian and terrestrial ecosystems (forest, meadow, grassland), to the negative effects of climate change through their comprehensive protection against invasive alien plants.
Regions of southern Poland are among the areas particularly affected by invasive alien plants (Tokarska-Guzik 2005; Tokarska-Guzik et al. 2012, 2017; Zając & Zając 2015). The following invasive species were found in the Project area: theCaucasian hogweed, i.e. b. Mantegazzi (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and b. Sosnowskyi(H. sosnowskyi),impatiens glandulifera(Impatiens glandulifera), which are on the list of alien species considered to pose a threat to the EU (Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council), knotweed, i.e. Bohemian knotweed (intermediate knotweed) (Reynoutria ×bohemica), Japanese knotweed (sharp-tailed knotweed) (R. japonica) and Sakhalin knotweed (R. sachalinensis), which are included in the Regulation of the Council of Ministers on the list of invasive alien species posing a threat to the Union and the list of invasive alien species posing a threat to Poland, remedial actions and measures aimed at restoring the natural state of ecosystems (Journal of Laws 2022, item 2649), and many species indicated as posing such a threat, including species from the genus goldenrod (Solidago spp.) (Tokarska-Guzik et al. 2012, 2021; Szymura et al. 2018a and b; Marjańska et al. 2023). Most of the plant species listed are included in the list of the ‘100 worst’ alien species in Europe (Nentwig et al. 2018). These species form dense populations in many of the areas included in the Project, which have adverse impacts on forest, grassland, grassland and riparian ecosystems.
In order to respond to the indicated challenges and prevent unfavourable processes caused by IAS-P, a comprehensive implementation of protection and enhancement of biodiversity of selected ecosystems in the scale of several regions of southern Poland was planned within the Project, treated as a model solution, taking into account:
- application of effective methods of elimination and/or control of IAS-P populations threatening valuable natural habitats and species, as well as posing a threat to humans;
- implementation of measures aimed at strengthening the existing biodiversity, restoration of natural habitats and species populations (with particular emphasis on xerothermic grasslands, variegated Molinia meadows and riparian vegetation);
- more effective nature conservation through environmental education.
Tasks within the Project
The subject scope of the Project included the following tasks/subtasks:
1. Active protection of terrestrial and riparian ecosystems by reducing the negative impact of invasive alien plant species (IAS-P) including:
1.1. Elimination of IAS-P occurring in selected areas in dispersal and in small numbers of individuals/shoots.
1.2. Control of selected invasive species that are widespread and occupy large areas.
1.3. Renaturalisation of ecosystems through restoration of vegetation/habitats in selected areas.
2. Develop, refine and test innovative IAS-P control methods, such as:
2.1. Stimulating the growth of invasive goldenrod plants with an innovative, non-toxic biopreparation in order to cut the overgrown specimens faster before seed release.
2.2. Testing a thermal method using hot water to control Caucasian hogweed.
2.3 Testing a thermal method using steam to eliminate sources of IAS-P spread.
2.4. Use of sheep grazing in the reduction of invasive plants.
3. Early detection of invasive plant species and sources of spread by attempting to identify pathways for their introduction and spread in ecosystems / Project areas including:
3.1 Building competence in molecular methods for early identification of diaspores of invasive plant species deposited in soil.
3.2. Development and implementation of an early detection method for selected IAS-P using unmanned aerial vehicles.
3.3 Prevent the introduction of IAS-P into protected ecosystems with analysis of potential transmission routes.
4. Increase public awareness of the negative impact of IAS-P on native wildlife - information and communication through:
4.1. Training and education activities aimed at different audiences on learning about local IAS-P, the consequences of their occurrence in nature (benefits and threats) and ways to eliminate them.
4.2 Development and implementation of multimedia tools to help disseminate knowledge on IAS-P.
4.3. Awareness raising activities on the objectives and next steps of the Project, its financing and the importance of the Project for the local community.
5. Project management.
Project effects
The Project has produced natural and social effects expressed through:
(i) elimination of selected invasive plant species from areas where these species still occurred with low frequency and abundance (e.g. hogweed in the communes of Krempna, Koszęcin; impatiens in Ojcowski PN), but pose a threat of further spread (cf. chapter 5.1 Final Report and chapter 4.1.1 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
(ii) mitigation of IAS-P impacts by limiting their vitality/vigour and reducing the area occupied (e.g. knotweed in Ojców NP and Magurski NP (cf. section 5.1 Final Report and section 4.1.2 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
(iii) testing of 4 IAS-P control methods (mainly hogweed and goldenrod); (cf. chapter 5.2 Final Report and chapter 4.2 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
(iv) to develop and test the possibility of identifying IAS-P sites in the early stages of invasion using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (BSP); (cf. chapter 5.3 Final Report and chapter 4.3 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
(v) exchange of knowledge and experience between the participating partner teams and competence building (e.g. chapters 5.3 and 6 Final Report);
(vi) inclusion of local communities and specific professional groups in education on the risks of IAS-P proliferation (cf. chapter 5.4 Final Report and chapter 4.4 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
- quizzes have been placed on educational portals to help students learn about IAS-P, tailored for students at different levels of education - the
Educaplay
- https://www.educaplay.com/learning-resources/18636275-zielona_inwazja.html
- https://www.educaplay.com/learning-resources/18626140-ykre_lanka_ro_liny_inwazyjne.html
- https://www.educaplay.com/learning-resources/18625307-ykre_lanka_ro_liny_inwazyjne.html
- https://www.educaplay.com/learning-resources/18621002-ro_liny_inwazyjne_w_polsce.html
Kahoot
- https://create.kahoot.it/share/rosliny-inwazyjne/38c38691-fd0b-45d9-aa70-00e63dd9df7a
Quizlet
- https://quizlet.com/pl/549277106/rosliny-inwazyjne-flash-cards/?i=3bmgg7&x=1jqt
- 4 lesson plans for teachers to be used by 400 people and 6 quizzes on various platforms for 600 recipients planned and prepared
- two IAS dissemination conferences and a panel discussion were organised
(vii) a popular science publication entitled. ‘We will combat invasive plants’ by Justyna Slawniak
(viii) a project summary book - 250 copies - entitled. ‘Protection of ecosystems against invasive species of plants of foreign origin in southern Poland - good practices and new challenges, 2024. University of Silesia in Katowice, Kontekst Scientific Publishing House, Poznań - Katowice / Bzdęga, K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B.’.
(ix) a photo exhibition was prepared documenting the activities of the Project
In addition, the Project will contribute to the implementation of provisions contained in national and international documents, concerning invasive alien species, including legally binding documents.
The substantive summary of the entire Project is a project book in Polish with an extensive English-language summary, edited by Bzdęga, K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. Protection of ecosystems against invasive plant species of foreign origin in southern Poland - good practices and new challenges, 2024. University of Silesia in Katowice, Kontekst Scientific Publishing House, Poznań - Katowice / Bzdęga, K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. Protection of ecosystems against invasive alien plants in southern Poland - good practices and new challenges, 2024. University of Silesia in Katowice, Publishing House Kontekst - Scientific Publisher, Poznań - Katowice.
Impact
The implementation of the Project was planned in such a way that its effects and knowledge about IAS were disseminated to the general public, especially local communities of the Project area, as well as various interested groups of potential recipients , including employees of local administration, farmers, agricultural advisors, allotment holders and beekeepers, as well as children and youth. The information and education activities were carried out within the framework of three interrelated subtasks (cf. chap. 4.4.1-4.4.3 in Bzdęga K., Urbisz A., Tokarska-Guzik B. (eds.), 2024);
- a total of 40 activities aimed at adult audiences were prepared and implemented, in which a total of 1,325 people participated;
- a total of 28 workshops were prepared and conducted, attended by 633 children.
- Competitions for children and young people were held - a total of 220 participants.
- Conferences and panel discussions - a total of 193 recipients.
Summary of bilateral results
Thanks to the participation and involvement of the Norwegian Partner – the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research – NIBIO in the Project, testing of techniques for eliminating invasive alien species of plant (IAS-P) was initiated. This would not have been possible without the international cooperation of NIBIO. The Polish team was trained, and thanks to the exchange of knowledge and experience, the Project assumptions could be implemented. The collaboration with NIBIO has primarily resulted in the application of new innovative control methods for selected IAS-Ps, which can be regarded as model solutions (patterns) possible to implement in areas with similar natural conditions, and obtaining, in this respect, promising results described in detail in the publication "Protection of ecosystems against invasive species of plants of foreign origin in southern Poland – good practices and new challenges", as well as implying the continuation of research.