Given its organic nature, many of us think that biodiversity simply ‘happens’. We assume it is an adaptable, shape-shifting phenomenon we can all enjoy when we take a walk in the park or a trip to the forest. However, threats to Europe’s ecosystems are greater than ever from climate change, the way we use the land and sea, and due to pollution. Invasive alien species, such as the Asian hornet and milkweed can also disrupt nature’s fragile balance.
There is growing awareness that conserving ecosystems and helping them flourish is vital for human well-being and animal life. Nearly half of the global GDP is linked to nature, while biodiversity loss is one of the top five risks to the economy. Increased knowledge, effective policies, stimulating awareness, ownership and support to targets are all key to protecting and restoring environmental balance. The JRC’s activities approach this multi-dimensional task through a prism of ‘One Health’—the concept that the health of humans, animals and the environment is intrinsically linked.
citizens play in reporting alien species in their environments.The EU acknowledges the important role
The European Alien Species Network (EASIN) is a JRC initiative enabling the exploration of knowledge about alien species (AS) in Europe from a wide variety of information sources. EASIN fosters transnational collaborations to tackle invasive alien species (IAS) aiming for the accomplishment of biodiversity and sectoral policies, and addresses research needs. It is a unique scientific network covering all environmental realms, 64 countries (Member States, candidate countries to the EU, and neighbouring countries) and all taxonomic groups. Anyone can access and contribute to EASIN’s knowledge base—from researchers to policymakers and the public at large.
Users can do this via several tools. For example, scientists can search and track the occurrences of species that appear on the EASIN Catalogue of Alien Species, a comprehensive database of over 14 000 plant, animal and marine organisms that have found their way to European territories from other parts of the world, through human activities. Similarly, thousands of species factsheets can be consulted, containing comprehensive information to aid in identification and risk assessment.
‘Citizen Science’ aims to bridge science and the general public. The EU acknowledges the important role citizens play in reporting alien species in their environments. Open to students, families and anyone with a passion for nature, the EASIN Citizen Science initiatives facilitate the reporting of alien species for expert validation via an app and a dedicated web platform. Citizen awareness, literacy, and engagement can support early detection of IAS, which is crucial to controlling invasive alien species, the second leading cause of biodiversity loss.
The United Nations reports that 16.6% of the world’s land and sea surfaces are protected, and many governments are considering increasing this number as natural environments come under greater risk.
Developed and managed by the JRC, the Digital Observatory for Protected Areas (DOPA) allows users to monitor and assess information on protected areas and, more widely, to inform area-based conservation decisions at different scales. For over a decade it has delivered over 50 indicators to support policymakers, funding agencies and protected area agencies to support planning and development, and ultimately help governments in their decision-making.
Legally protecting 30% of Europe’s land and sea mass is in fact part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Within the EU Strategy, Member States and EU institutions agreed to implement more than 100 actions, which can be tracked at the JCR-supported Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity website— a wide-reaching online knowledge base that helps policymakers and citizens to assess progress. Holding governments accountable is crucial to the success of these measures, safeguarding Europe’s natural heritage for future generations.
