An information network on alien invasive species has been launched by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC).
The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) aims to map and classify alien species in Europe, to reduce the economic impact of alien species, which is estimated at €12 billion yearly.
Combatting invasive species is one of the objectives of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Policy.
14 September 2012: The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) has announced the creation of an information network to help eliminate the threat of alien species to biodiversity and natural resources in Europe. The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) aims to map and classify alien species in Europe, to reduce the economic impact of alien species, which is estimated at €12 billion yearly.
The network combines databases including the: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF); Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN); and Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasion Centre (REABIC).
In launching the network, European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik emphasized the growing threat of alien speices in an interconnected world, saying EASIN will help identify non-native species and demonstrate how common they are.
Combatting invasive species is one of the objectives of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Policy. [EC Press Release]