Summary
Project name (EN): Protecting Biodiversity from Invasive Alien Species
Project acronym:
INVAGO
Project ID:
LL-00262
Project start date: 2025-03-01
Project end date: 2027-02-28
Project status:
ongoing
Relevant linked projects:
- Interreg Europe programme project No. PGI05271 “Protecting European Biodiversity from Invasive Alien Species” / INVALIS (EN) | INVALIS project was implemented from 06.2018 till 05.2023. The aim of the INVALIS project was to improve the knowledge and capacity of public administration employees about IAS policies, including the improvement of Latvian policy measures related to:
- 1) Identification of the main types of IAS entry and spread in Latvia and development of actions that would increase the resilience of natural areas to IAS;
- 2) Raising public awareness on the impacts of IAS on biodiversity and agriculture, involving the private sector (landowners) to promote preventive and restorative measures;
- 3) Inclusion of IAS management measures in various policy planning documents.
- INVAGO project will use the good practice of INVALIS project regarding the planning measures. During the INVALIS project the planning of IAS measures occurred on the national level however INVAGO project foresees to bring the planning issues of IAS management to local levels. Besides that, INVAGO project will contribute to the practical actions of testing IAS eradication and limitation methods in pilot areas. (EN)
Total budget/expenditure:
EUR 597 085.12
Total EU funding (amount):
EUR 477 668.06
Total EU funding (co-financing rate):
80.00%
Co-financing sources:
- ERDF: Amount, EUR 477 668.06. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Deliverables:
- PP2: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP3: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP4: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP5: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP6: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP7: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP8: Educational trainings for municipal/institutional specialists
- PP2: Training on licence for chemicals
- PP4: Training on licence for chemicals
- PP5: Training on licence for chemicals
- PP7: Training on licence for chemicals
- PP2: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP2: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP3: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP3: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP4: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP4: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP5: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP5: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP6: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP6: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP7: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP7: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP8: Seminar No.1 for land owners and residents
- PP8: Seminar No.2 for land owners and residents
- PP2: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP3: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP4: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP5: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP6: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP7: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- PP8: Seminars for pupils on IAS management issues
- Final conference
- Press releases
- Project profile on Programme webpage
- Project information on LP,PPs websites and/or social media accounts
- Physical investment marking
- Informative posters
- Information on social media
- Marking of equipment with stickers
- PP2 initial drone detection of species density
- PP2 final drone detection of species density
- PP4 initial drone detection of species density
- PP4 final drone detection of species density
- PP6 initial drone detection of species density
- PP6 final drone detection of species density
- PP7 initial drone detection of species density
- PP7 final drone detection of species density
- PP8 initial drone detection of species density
- PP8 final drone detection of species density
- PP2: Brushcutter, ride-on mower, cultivator
- PP3: Grass cutting tractor
- PP4: Engine oil,Fuel tank,Protective mesh,Cutting disc,Harness,Shovel,Boots,Face guard,Herbicides
- PP5: Tractor, chemicals
- PP6: Rake, mover
- PP7: Mowing tractor with cabin
- PP6: territories' preparation for Sosnowsky's hogweed eradication
- PP2: First season eradication
- Himalayan balsam (1,15 ha) and Canadian goldenrod (0,67 ha)
- PP2: Second season eradication
- Himalayan balsam (1,15 ha) and Canadian goldenrod (0,67 ha)
- PP3: First season eradication
- Spanish slug (1,18 ha)
- PP3: Second season eradication
- Spanish slug (1,18 ha)
- PP4: First season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (4,54 ha)
- PP4: Second season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (4,54 ha)
- PP5: First season eradication
- Spanish slug (2,8882 ha), Himalayan balsam (0,0282 ha)
- PP5: Second season eradication
- Spanish slug (2,8882 ha), Himalayan balsam (0,0282 ha)
- PP6: First season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (8,32 ha)
- PP6: Second season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (8,32 ha)
- PP7: First season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (2,05 ha), Spanish slug (5,2148 ha)
- PP7: Second season eradication
- Sosnowsky hogweed (2,05 ha), Spanish slug (5,2148 ha)
- PP8: First season eradication
- Canadian goldenrod (0,97 ha)
- PP8: Second season eradication
- Canadian goldenrod (0,97 ha)
- PP2: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP3: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP4: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP5: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP6: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP7: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP8: Pilot action demonstration event
- PP2: Management plan for IAS
- PP3: Management plan for IAS
- PP4: Management plan for IAS
- PP5: Management plan for IAS
- PP6: Management plan for IAS
- PP7: Management plan for IAS
- PP8: Management plan for IAS
- Initial report
- Mid-term report No1.
- Mid-term report No2.
- Final report of tested methods and their costs
- Dissemination of final findings
- Official submission of project findings
Contribution to wider strategies and policies:
- EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The INVAGO project goes in line with EUBSR Strategy and 2 of its objectives: 1) Save the sea; 2) Increase Prosperity. Project corresponds to the sub-objectives as 1) Rich and healthy wildlife; 2) Climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management; 3) Clear water in the sea. INVAGO project is related to 2 Policy Areas: Nutri, Bioeconomy.
- Eutrophication is one of the most serious and difficult environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea. Invasive species degrade water quality by decreasing water flows and reducing the transportation of nutrients or by increasing runoff and erosion leading to hyper-eutrophication.
- IAS are considered as one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. IAS often have significant economic impacts, reducing yields from agriculture, forestry and fisheries. This corresponds to the Policy Area of Bioeconomy.
- By preparing planning cases for invasive alien species, organizing seminars for land owners and pupils on IAS management issues, purchasing equipment for nature management measures in order to eradicate the IAS, the project will directly contribute to achievement of EUBSR Strategy objectives protecting natural resources and enhancing biodiversity in the cross-border region.
- Other EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 contains the commitment to manage established invasive alien species and decrease the number of Red List species they threaten by 50% by 2030.
- The Biodiversity Strategy of the European Union for 2030 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0380) envisages restoring nature - significantly improving the condition of protected species and habitats, increasing landscape elements and organic agriculture in the countryside, ensuring a good state of the marine environment, restoring free flow, helping with urban greening plans, limiting the impact of invasive species.
- Other EU Regulation No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
- This regulation provides a comprehensive legal framework for dealing with invasive species across member states. It includes prevention measures, early detection and rapid eradication protocols, and management actions for widely spread invasive species.
- Municipality, by participating in this project, also contributes to implementing these regulations and, by doing piloting – contributes to finding new, most efeccient ways for IS control and management, to the restriction and preservation of the spread of Is and the preservation of biodiversity.
- Other National Development Plan 2021-2027 of Latvia, priority "Qualitative living environment and development of the territory", direction of action "Nature and environment - "Green Course""
- The National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027 (www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/NAP2027__ENG.pdf) provides for the implementation of measures to improve the protection status of protected habitats and species in accordance with scientifically based species and habitat protection and nature protection plans. Improving the biological diversity protection system by developing scientifically based biodiversity conservation goals and indicators.
- Other Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation (2008-07-14, No.559) Regulation Regarding Restricting the Spread of the Invasive Alien Plant Species - Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.
- Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 559 (Adopted 14 July 2008) - Regulation Regarding Restricting the Spread of the Invasive Alien Plant Species - Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/179511
- Plan for the Organization of Measures for the Control of the Spread of Sosnowski's Hogweed in 2023-2027 includes an action plan for the organization and coordination of measures for the control of the spread of Sosnowski's Hogweed for the respective period, calendar schedule for the implementation of measures for the control of the spread of hogweed, control methods, and a list of cadastral designations of land plots invaded by hogweed. Based on the data of the State Information System for Monitoring of Cultivated Plants, the Municipality approves the Plan for the Organization of Measures for the Control of the Spread of Hogweed for five years and updates it annually, and publishes it on its website It is expected to update the Plan within the project scope and use good examples from Project Partners.
- Other Latvia's sustainable development strategy until 2030 Priority No.5 - Nature as Future Capital. Direction - Management of Natural Capital.
- Priority long-term Action directions: No.1 Management of natural capital. Objective - To preserve the originality of Latvia – the diverse natural and cultural heritage, typical and unique landscapes.
- This approach provides for reduction of pollution and waste flow, management of natural resources and development of services of ecosystems. It unites environmental and economic axioms, allowing combining the management of the natural capital with the practices of economic decision-making and development.
- Reduction in biological diversity and ecosystem services is caused by changes in natural habitats, which are basically caused by change in the use of land, distribution of invasive species, environmental pollution and climate changes. Also the existing non-sustainable consumption and production models promote depletion of natural resources and endanger the services provided by ecosystems.
- INVAGO project goes in line with the Strategy aiming to eliminate the risks and threats related to the development of the natural capital: change in the use of land, distribution of invasive species, environmental pollution and climate changes, as well as unsustainable models of consumption and production.
- Other Latvia's sustainable development strategy until 2030 Priority No.5 - Nature as Future Capital. Direction - Management of Natural Capital.
- Priority long-term Action directions: No.1 Management of natural capital. Objective - To preserve the originality of Latvia – the diverse natural and cultural heritage, typical and unique landscapes.
- This approach provides for reduction of pollution and waste flow, management of natural resources and development of services of ecosystems. It unites environmental and economic axioms, allowing combining the management of the natural capital with the practices of economic decision-making and development.
- Reduction in biological diversity and ecosystem services is caused by changes in natural habitats, which are basically caused by change in the use of land, distribution of invasive species, environmental pollution and climate changes. Also the existing non-sustainable consumption and production models promote depletion of natural resources and endanger the services provided by ecosystems.
- INVAGO project goes in line with the Strategy aiming to eliminate the risks and threats related to the development of the natural capital: change in the use of land, distribution of invasive species, environmental pollution and climate changes, as well as unsustainable models of consumption and production.
- Other Clause 20 of the first part of Article 4 of the Local Government Law of Latvia.
- One of autonomous functions of local governments is to facilitate sustainable management of natural resources as well as to establish order of public usage of municipal property if national legislation does not provide other regulations.
- The aim of project: Implement a plan in order to restrain the spread of invasive species, organise informative meetings for inhabitants and entrepreneurs (especially farmers), to carry out restraining actions of spread of invasive species, to acquire transnational experience, implementing effective and economically justified solutions.
- Other 6th strategic goal of the National Progress Plan of Lithuania for 2021-2030 "Ensure good environmental quality and sustainable use of natural resources, protect biological diversity, mitigate Lithuania's impact on climate change and increase resilience to its impact" (Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania 2020-09-09 No. 998).
- Other The Law of the republic of Lithuania on Wild Plants and Mushrooms (1999-06-15, No.VIII-1226) stipulates the obligation for physical and legal persons to eradicate invasive species.
- Other Project complies to the list of invasive species in Lithuania was approved by the order of the Minister of Environment (2016-11-28, No.D1-810). The list includes 35 species: 2 molluscs, 5 crustaceans, 2 fish, 2 reptiles, 1 bird, 5 mammals and 18 plants.
- Other Bauska County Development Program for the period 2022-2028 RV 5.2. “Green and blue infrastructure" task "5.2.1. Implementing the Bauska river landscape and green infrastructure development plan" action 48.5. Protecting Biodiversity from Invasive Alien Species (INVAGO).
- The project will contribute green, resilient and sustainable development of the Bauska county territories. Adaptation to climate change and risk mitigation will be promoted, taking into account ecosystem-based approaches.
- https://www.bauskasnovads.lv/lv/attistibas-programma-2022-2028-gadam
- Other The sustainable development strategy of Jelgava city and Jelgava Local Municipality until 2034 (https://geolatvija.lv/geo/tapis#document_28439) include:
- - In parallel with traditional agricultural sectors, promote and support the bioeconomy, organic agriculture, home production, direct food supply farms, biomass production, etc.
- - Support diverse use and construction of agricultural areas - agricultural production facilities, homesteads, public (including construction of defense and security institutions), industrial construction, etc., as long as it does not contradict the requirements of regulatory acts, does not impair the use of neighboring real estate and does not threaten national significance preservation of agricultural land and specially protected habitats.
- - For changing the use category of agricultural land and forest land, priority should be given to those land units whose quality assessment in points is low, as well as which are not suitable for use in agriculture or forestry due to access/configuration.
- - Forest areas can be used for the construction of objects necessary for the provision of national defense functions, as well as for the construction of wind farms.
- - Promote the quality of life and safety of residents of rural areas by reducing pollution caused by agriculture and the harmful effects on residents and the environment.
- Other The development program of Jelgava city and Jelgava Local Municipality for 2023-2029 (https://geolatvija.lv/geo/tapis#document_28435) envisages the planning and implementation of measures to limit the spread of invasive alien species (Sosnowsky hogweed, Canadian goldfinches, Spanish slug, etc.)
- Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 559 of July 14, 2008 "Invasive plant species – Sosnowsky hogweed - regulations for limiting the spread", which stipulates:
- 1. measures to limit the spread of the invasive plant species - Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden, procedures and methods of its destruction;
- 2. the procedure by which the state administrative authorities provide information on the spread of hogweed in groups of land use objectives, and the content of the information that is freely available to the public;
- 3. labor protection requirements, taking measures to limit the spread of hogweed.
- June 30, 2008 Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 468 "List of Invasive Plant Species" states that the invasive plant species in Latvia is Sosnowsky hogweed - Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.
- The Plant Protection Act also deals with invasive plants.
- Other A Sustainable Development Strategy for 2021-2045 for Dobele region has been developed with the long-term priority "Territorial Cohesion".
- Taking into account that invasive species are rapidly spreading and endangering neighboring territories, the project will help identify effective methods of combating invasive plants, the municipality will have access to trained specialists and developed documents that will facilitate planned combat. How does the project contribute to wider strategies and policies? Please indicate to which strategies and policies your project will contribute. Then describe in what way you will contribute.
- Other 2022-12-27 Biržai district Municipal Council decision No T-302 approved the “BIRŽAI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR 2023–2028”.
- In order to carry out IS control, it is necessary to know the situation, therefore, constant monitoring of the environment, monitoring, which is ensured by this program, is necessary.
- Other “BIRŽAI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY STRATEGIC ACTIVITY PLAN FOR 2024-2026” approved 2024-02-01 Biržai district council decision No. T-1.
- In this programme is included the measure 004-11-01-01 (TP) “Implementation of the Special Support Program for Environmental Protection of the Municipality” and funding for it. That means – real actions are planned and will be developed.
- Other
- Salantai Regional Park Management Plan approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania 05-06-2019 Nr. 573 which provide following directions for nature protection: ensuring the stability and good ecological condition of the regional park ecosystem, strengthening the ecological potential of the natural framework, reducing anthropogenic impact and increasing the naturalness of ecosystems, conservation of biological diversity, natural and cultural values, maintaining endangered open grassland and wetland habitats. Activities planned within the project (purchasing machinery for eradication of Sosnowsky’s Hogweed in the pilot areas in Salantai Regional Park, trainings and seminars for various stakeholders) directly contribute to achievement of objective foreseen in mentioned management plan seeking to protect ecosystems and values for future generations.
- Other The Šiauliai City Municipality's 2024-2026 Strategic Action Plan.
- The Šiauliai City Municipality's 2024-2026 Strategic Action Plan includes the measure “Maintenance of green areas” with one of the indicators being “Eradication of Giant Hogweed”. The measure’s indicator will be complemented include the eradication of another invasive plant - Canadian Goldenrod.
- The species of invasive plant (Canadian Goldenrod) will be eradicated using the following methods:
- 1. Spraying with chemical agents.
- 2. Digging up.
- 3. Cutting.
- 4. Deep milling.
- Four areas in Siauliai city where Canadian Goldenrod grows have been identified. Different eradication methods will be tested, and at the end of the project, an evaluation will determine which method was the most effective. Once the most effective methods are identified, eradication techniques will be applied in other areas not included in the project.
- Other Pakruojis District Municipality strategical development plan 2021-2030 (link https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/987dd6c0281911ec99bbc1b08701c7f8?positionInSearchResults=1&searchModelUUID=b041576f-6d98-45a6-9bc5-6c7cb5e3321e ):
- Strategic objective 3.3 Ensure a clean environment and sustainable use of natural resources
- Task No. 3.3.1. Develop green energy, implement energy-saving measures, promote sustainable use of resources
- Measure No. 3.3.1.3. To promote the emergence and use of ecological innovations in the administration of the district municipality, institutions, companies and public spaces in public spaces
- Task No. 3.3.3. Implement measures aimed at preserving the environment
- Measure No. 3.3.3.10. To promote the environmental and ecological awareness of the population
Programme Common Output Indicator:
-
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
Programme Common Result Indicator:
-
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
-
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy:
EUSBSR
EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:
EUSBSR Degree of compliance:
