World experts on invasive species gathered in Lisbon for Neobiota 2024
September 3rd to 6th, at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon
Considered one of the most relevant events in biological invasions, Neobiota brings together experts worldwide to discuss the most recent approaches and discoveries on invasive alien species. According to the UN, the annual costs of these species already exceed 390 billion euros.
They most often harm the quality of human life (notably through the spread of disease) and are responsible for 60% of recent extinctions. These and other topics will be debated between September 3rd and 6th.
The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon will host the international conference NEOBIOTA 2024, an event that every two years, brings together experts from around the world to discuss the most recent approaches and discoveries on aquatic and terrestrial invasive alien species. Considered one of the most relevant global events in the area of biological invasions, this edition will be organized by MARE – Center for Environmental Sciences, with the support of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and the University of Évora.
Over the three days of the conference, more than 460 experts from around 50 countries will share and debate the latest scientific and strategic advances on topics such as risk assessment, management and control of invasive species, innovative tools for detection and monitoring, routes of introduction and dispersal of species, as well as the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of biological invasions and their implications for nature conservation.
“The significant number of registrants exceeded initial expectations and highlights the growing importance and urgency of these themes on a global level”, begin by explaining Pedro Anastácio, Filipe Ribeiro and Paula Chainho, those responsible for the organization. “One of the highlights of the conference will be the participation of two internationally renowned scientists: Anthony Ricciardi, who will open the event with the first plenary presentation, and Gregory Ruiz, responsible for the closing plenary presentation. Both are recognized worldwide for their contributions in the area of biological invasions, offering a global and strategic perspective on the challenges and solutions to address the impact of invasive species”, they continue.
The most recent UN report on the topic of invasive species (IPBES, 2023) highlights that the global impact of alien invasions is devastating: annual costs exceed 390 billion euros, and these species are responsible for 60% of extinctions recent. Furthermore, they almost always harm the quality of human life, particularly through the spread of diseases.
In Portugal, the impact of invasive species has motivated a series of coordinated actions, including research projects, conservation initiatives funded by the LIFE program, and the implementation of specific action plans to control particularly problematic species. These initiatives are coordinated between several entities, including the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF), to contain, control or eradicate invasive species in the national territory.
Side Activities and Pre-Conference
Before the official start of the conference on September 3rd, there will be free thematic workshops dedicated to crucial topics such as LIFE projects focused on biological invasions, assessment and management methods, the economic exploitation of invasive species, the formulation of public policies, and citizen science engagement. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for specialized training and exchange of experiences between professionals and researchers.
At the same time, the organization has prepared technical visits to Sintra, the Sado Estuary (Setúbal) and the Tagus River (Santarém), which will allow participants to closely observe some of the invasive species present in local ecosystems and learn about ongoing monitoring projects and control of these species.
Highlights in Portugal: Action Plans and Problem Species
In Portugal, action plans already in place to control species such as the Louisiana red crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), the pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and the Japanese oyster [Crassostrea (Magallana) stand out. ) gigas]. Another relevant example is the plan to eradicate the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), an invasive species originating in southeast Africa, identified in the Laje and Barcarena streams.
Management plans are also underway for the Japanese clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), a dominant bivalve species in some Portuguese estuaries and an economically important resource in the Tagus estuary. The catfish or catfish (Silurus glanis), a predator originating from Central Europe that has become a dominant species in the Tagus River, is another example of a challenge that is being addressed.
“We are very excited about organizing NEOBIOTA 2024. The quality of the participation and the topics under discussion lead us to believe that this conference will be a milestone in the debate and the formulation of solutions to the problems of invasive species. Early September will bring together cutting-edge expertise and foster international collaborations to address this growing challenge. And all this here in Lisbon”, conclude Pedro Anastácio, Filipe Ribeiro and Paula Chainho.
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