On 14 September 2016, Luxembourg hosted the opening meeting of the ninth international conference in on biological invasions; the event is taking place between 14 and 16 September in Vianden.
Over 250 renowned experts from across the globe are present to discuss the consequences which environmental issues, such as climate change, have on biological invasions. These are one of the leading causes of a loss of biodiversity and also have a huge socio-economic impact on society, costing Europe approximately €12.5 billion per year.
The conference brings together scientists, prominent politicians and field managers in an attempt to combat the damaging effects of biological invasions. Topics include methods of eradication, as well as more efficient management and regulations.
The conference has been organised by the ‘Fondation Faune-Flore’ in cooperation with several partners and sponsors, including the Minister of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure and the Department for the Environment.
In this context, it is worth noting that, for the first time, on 13 July 2016 the European Commission officially developed a list of thirty-seven exotic invasive species which cause concern for the European Union. On a national scale, Luxembourg is in the process of reinforcing its own strategy following the implementation of this regulation.
