LIFE24-NAT-PL-Control IAS for LIFE
Project Objectives
The strategic objective of the LIFE24-NAT-PL-Control IAS for LIFE project is to reduce the negative impact of invasive alien plant species (IAS) on native ecosystems in Poland and Lithuania and to strengthen biodiversity protection in ecologically valuable areas, including Natura 2000 sites.
The specific objectives are:
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To prevent the introduction and spread of invasive alien plant species through the development and implementation of preventive, monitoring and control procedures in protected areas, forest areas, urban environments and along key introduction pathways.
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To strengthen the monitoring and management system for IAS by developing data collection tools, analysing introduction pathways and establishing effective, replicable models of action in Poland and Lithuania.
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To increase knowledge and ecological awareness among the public and key stakeholder groups, including public administration, schools, land managers and local communities, regarding the risks posed by IAS and the protection of native biodiversity.
Actions
The project objectives will be achieved through the following conservation actions:
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Inventory and monitoring of invasive alien plant species in national parks, State Forests, urban areas and along key introduction pathways, including assessment of the scale and dynamics of threats to native ecosystems.
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Identification and analysis of introduction and spread pathways of IAS, including those related to transport, trade, land use and human activities, and development of procedures to limit further introductions.
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Development and implementation of preventive and control procedures aimed at preventing the occurrence and spread of invasive alien plant species in protected, forest and urban areas, including allotment gardens.
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Development and implementation of tools for data collection, analysis and management related to IAS occurrence, supporting evidence-based decision-making and long-term monitoring of project results.
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Educational and awareness-raising activities targeted at schools, public administration, land managers and local communities to increase understanding of IAS-related threats and methods of protecting native biodiversity.
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Dissemination of project results and developed action models to enable replication in other regions of Poland and the European Union and integration into long-term environmental policies and practices.
Results
The implementation of the project will deliver the following results:
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Reduced pressure of invasive alien plant species on native ecosystems in protected, forest and urban areas in Poland and Lithuania, including Natura 2000 sites.
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Establishment of a coherent monitoring system for invasive alien plant species, including identification of occurrences, analysis of introduction pathways and evaluation of preventive and control measures.
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Development and implementation of procedures limiting the introduction and spread of IAS, applicable for public administration, land managers and other entities responsible for nature protection.
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Increased availability of data and tools supporting IAS management, enabling evidence-based decision-making and long-term conservation planning.
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Improved ecological awareness among society, particularly students, teachers, local communities and land managers, regarding the threats posed by invasive alien plant species.
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Development of a replicable model of action that can be applied in other regions of Poland and the European Union, supporting long-term biodiversity protection and the implementation of EU environmental policies.
Budget
Total budget: 5,429,126 EUR
Contribution from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW): 1,691,261 EUR
Contribution from the European Union: 3,257,476 EUR
Co-fiancing
National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (Poland)
Coordinating Beneficiary
Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (Poland)
Associated Beneficiaries
"Man and Nature" Association (Poland)
Wielkopolski National Park (Poland)
University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
Wigry National Park (Poland)
Nature Research Centre – Gamtos tyrimų centras (Lithuania)
Project Duration
Start date: 2 January 2026
End date: 1 January 2033
Project duration: 84 months