To evaluate the progress made so far and coordinate actions for the upcoming active work season, partners of the project “Protecting Biodiversity from Invasive Alien Species” (INVAGO) met on February 24 in Žagarė (Lithuania). The meeting marked a significant stage of the project, where the emphasis shifts from planning and purchasing technical equipment to practical invasive alien species (IAS) eradication works.
The project, implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2021-2027, focuses on restricting the most aggressive species – Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi), Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), and Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) – in partner territories.
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the methodology developed by environmental experts SIA “Estonian, Latvian & Lithuanian Environment” (ELLE). The company’s representative, Anete Pošiva-Bunkovska, introduced the attendees to IAS population density measurements in partner territories, carried out by combining drone monitoring and field surveys. Based on this data, precise recommendations have been prepared for each territory, determining the most effective methods and work schedules to allow partners to combat IAS purposefully and with long-term effect. Practical control measures, in accordance with these instructions and using the machinery, tools, and chemical plant protection products purchased within the project, will start this spring.
To ensure the implementation of expert recommendations, partners have made targeted investments in technical provision and staff training. In Bauska Municipality, to combat Himalayan balsam in Iecava and Canadian goldenrod in Bauska and Rundāle, four brush cutters, a lawn mower, and a cultivator have been purchased, and specialists have been trained to work with plant protection products. Jelgava Local Municipality has purchased a heavy-duty lawn mowing tractor and a trailer for the restriction of the Spanish slug and regular territory maintenance in Bērvircava village. Meanwhile, Dobele Municipality will focus on restricting the spread of Sosnowsky’s hogweed in Zebrene Parish; for this purpose, a motorized backpack sprayer, brush cutters, tools, and chemical plant protection products, along with special protective clothing, have been procured, with works entrusted to specialists trained within the project.
Equivalent preparatory work has also been accomplished in Lithuania. Biržai District Municipality has secured the necessary chemical agents and a mowing tractor for combating the Spanish slug. The Directorate of Žemaitija Protected Areas has prepared pilot territories in Salantai Regional Park and purchased mowing equipment and a large-scale rake for controlling the spread of Sosnowsky’s hogweed. In Šiauliai City Municipality, cooperation with Vilnius University has led to the development of an action plan for the restriction of Sosnowsky’s hogweed, and the first educational seminars for municipal specialists and landowners on IAS restriction have already been held.
Over the coming year, it is planned to implement all scheduled invasive species control measures while simultaneously strengthening local specialists’ knowledge as well as public involvement and capabilities to control and restrict IAS. Educational seminars will be organized in all partner municipalities in Latvia and Lithuania for municipal and other institutional specialists, as well as landowners, residents, and students, explaining the threats posed by invasive species and possibilities for effective action.