INVALIS

The INVALIS Interreg Europe project was implemented during the 2014-2020 programming period, bringing together partners from seven (mainly Mediterranean) countries. The project was implemented between 2018 and 2023 and aimed to take action against invasive species. The damage caused by these species (e.g. the emergence of new diseases, the extinction of native species, the deterioration of soil and water quality, etc.) requires international cooperation.

The project provided a basis for the formulation and improvement of guidelines for the protection of biodiversity, whether in terms of prevention, detection or control of species. This enabled the authorities to take coordinated action and expand their capacity, resolve conflicts of interest, sharing new methods and good practices to help identify endangered areas, the direction of the spread of invasive species, exploring the vulnerability of ecosystems, raising awareness of the environmental and socio-economic damage caused by invasive species, and increasing the commitment of local communities to the issue.

The project’s outputs include six action plans (to support the work of authorities), three international workshops, two study trips, 18 policy briefs for authorities, a risk management system (to assess ecosystem vulnerability) and four reports examining territorial needs.