Master plan for invasive non-native species

HUB BERN | Project LANAT-7

Our goal:

To 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 non-native plant that is spreading rapidly and causes harm particularly on agricultural land and in protected areas. Photo: Werner Stirnimann

In a nutshell:

Invasive non-native species can be either plants or animals. They inadvertently make it into Switzerland mainly as a result of global trade or are deliberately planted as ornamental plants. Climate change makes it easier for non-native species to thrive far away from their areas of origin. Once established, they can displace native species, destabilize infrastructure, compromise agricultural production or forestry, and in some cases present a health hazard.

The project “Master plan for invasive non-native species” developed the basis for setting priorities in the Canton of Bern and defining effective, low-cost methods for dealing with invasive non-native species. Decisions on implementing the recommendations are taken by the cantonal authorities.

Additionally, the project tested whether and how local actors can be involved in the monitoring and control of invasive non-native species.

The development of invasive non-native plant populations (lines) and the costs of containment measures (bars) over time, shown here for no measures (red), isolated measures (blue), and concerted measures (green). Prompt, concerted containment measures clearly pay off: they effectively reduce and control the populations of invasive non-native plants 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)

More information:

Invasive Neophyten (Information on invasive non-native plants on the website of the Canton of Bern; available in German and French)

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In collaboration with:

Office for Agriculture and Nature of the Canton of Bern (LANAT)

Status: Completed project