ARES(2014)2425342 - 22/07/2014. Organisation and running of a scientific workshop to complete selected invasive alien species (IAS) risk assessments

The introduction and spread of invasive alien species (IAS) constitutes one of the most important drivers of global change in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Robust risk assessment methods are required for IAS to provide the foundation upon which to prioritise appropriate action. In a previous study (Roy, Schonrogge et al. 2014) minimum standards were developed to provide an assessment framework for risk assessments and ultimately for underpinning the development of a proposed list of “IAS of EU concern”, in accordance to the provisions of the Regulation (EU) 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. In practice, of the protocols assessed in detail, only four (GB NNRA, EPPO DSS, Harmonia+ and ENSARS) were sufficiently compliant with the minimum standards to be considered and of these only the GB NNRA and EPPO DSS have published IAS risk assessments. As a result, using the information from such “substantially compliant” protocols, a draft list of approximately 50 species was compiled. It is important to note that this list of species is based on availability of robust risk assessments already completed through methods which are almost compliant with the minimum standards, and it does not constitute the list of “IAS of EU concern”. In view of the application of the forthcoming EU Regulation on IAS (and building-on ENV.B.2/ETU/2013/0026) the Commission hosted a 2-day scientific workshop to examine the selected risk assessments and pool the existing knowledge existing in the EU to complete the missing information, on the basis of robust scientific evidence, in order to make them fully compliant with the minimum standards, wherever possible. The workshop was led by Helen Roy (CEH) and Riccardo Scalera (ISSG). An additional 16 experts from fifteen member states were selected based on their expertise in invasion biology and represented a breadth of expertise from a variety of perspectives including taxonomic (all taxa), environmental (freshwater, marine and terrestrial), impacts (environmental, socio-economic and health) and disciplines (ecologists, conservation practitioners, scientists, policy-makers, risk assessors). In view of the gaps across risk assessments for ecosystem services and climate change two experts were invited to guide the development of approaches for these specific themes. In total the risk assessments for 56 species were considered. The GB NNRA and EPPO DSS have published IAS risk assessments which, when considering species that score medium to high impact, together cover 51 species (noting that Fallopia japonica and F. sachalinensis are separate species). Two further risk assessments were suggested for consideration by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat which follow the GB NNRA protocol: coati (Nasua nasua) and skunk (Mephitis mephitis), although scored as low impact. Finally an additional three species have been considered through new European–wide risk assessments, with the reported outcome of high impact, for this project which again follow the GB NNRA protocol: Pallas squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus), grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and coypu (Myocastor coypus). The main gaps across all risk assessments were in relation to climate change and ecosystem services but additional information was also required on benefits as mentioned with minimum standard “Description (Taxonomy, invasion history, distribution range (native and introduced), geographic scope, socio-economic benefits)” and in some cases information to support the minimum standard “Includes status (threatened or protected) of species or habitat under threat“ was missing. It was agreed that systematic consideration of a list of questions in relation to the minimum standards on ecosystem services and climate change would be useful guidance for experts. An outline of the approaches agreed through the workshop for the minimum standards “Includes possible effects of climate change in the foreseeable future“ and “Can broadly assess environmental impact with respect to ecosystem services” were developed as guidance for documenting information in relation to climate change and ecosystem services. Each species was considered separately with the experts providing an overview of the information available for addressing the identified gaps. After all species had been considered the workshop participants (excluding the EC, Helen Roy and Riccardo Scalera) adopted a consensus approach to confirm whether or not the risk assessment was compliant with the minimum standards and whether the overall score of the risk assessment remained applicable. No changes were made to the scores but any recommendations were noted. There were very few recommendations for change. The outcome for each risk assessment was agreed and summarised as “compliant” or “not compliant” with the minimum standards. Of the risk assessments for the 56 species considered through this project, 53 were agreed to be fully compliant with the minimum standards. However, Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, although compliant with the minimum standards should be excluded as it is not within the scope of the regulation (see art 2.e) because it is listed in annex IV of Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture. Four of the risk assessments were not considered to be compliant because of major information gaps: Elodea canadensis (Canadian pondweed), Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), M. mephitis (skunk), N. nasua (coati)

Seven recommendations to make your invasive alien species data more useful

Science-based strategies to tackle biological invasions depend on recent, accurate, well-documented, standardized and openly accessible information on alien species. Currently and historically, biodiversity data are scattered in numerous disconnected data silos that lack interoperability. The situation is no different for alien species data, and this obstructs efficient retrieval, combination, and use of these kinds of information for research and policy-making. Standardization and interoperability are particularly important as many alien species related research and policy activities require pooling data. We describe seven ways that data on alien species can be made more accessible and useful, based on the results of a European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) workshop: (1) Create data management plans; (2) Increase interoperability of information sources; (3) Document data through metadata; (4) Format data using existing standards; (5) Adopt controlled vocabularies; (6) Increase data availability; and (7) Ensure long-term data preservation. We identify four properties specific and integral to alien species data (species status, introduction pathway, degree of establishment, and impact mechanism) that are either missing from existing data standards or lack a recommended controlled vocabulary. Improved access to accurate, real-time and historical data will repay the long-term investment in data management infrastructure, by providing more accurate, timely and realistic assessments and analyses. If we improve core biodiversity data standards by developing their relevance to alien species, it will allow the automation of common activities regarding data processing in support of environmental policy. Furthermore, we call for considerable effort to maintain, update, standardize, archive, and aggregate datasets, to ensure proper valorization of alien species data and information before they become obsolete or lost

International AIDS Society global scientific strategy: towards an HIV cure 2016

Antiretroviral therapy is not curative. Given the challenges in providing lifelong therapy to a global population of more than 35 million people living with HIV, there is intense interest in developing a cure for HIV infection. The International AIDS Society convened a group of international experts to develop a scientific strategy for research towards an HIV cure. This Perspective summarizes the group's strategy

Introduction, Chapter 1

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Ionization and photofragmentation of Ru-3(CO)(12) and Os-3(CO)(12)

In this paper, we use a combination of photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and density functional theory calculations to get a detailed understanding of valence single and double ionization and the subsequent dissociation processes. This is exemplified on benchmark systems, trimetallo-dodecacarbonyls M-3(CO)(12) with M = Ru, Os, where the energy remaining in the molecule after photoionization can be retrieved by measuring the degree of fragmentation of the molecular ion. The intensity of different mass peaks can thus be directly related to ionization cross sections obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy. We find that the M-CO dissociation energy rises as the number of CO ligands decreases due to dissociation. Moreover, ionization of the CO ligands has a higher cross section than that of the metal center for both single and double ionization. After advanced fragmentation, a CO bond can break and the carbon atom remains bonded to the metal core. In addition, we found that the valence ionization cross sections of M-3(CO)(12) are maximal at about 40 eV photon energy thus showing a more pronounced shape resonance than Ru and Os-complexes with a single metal atom center. Finally, an np. nd giant resonance absorption causes a significant increase of the ionization cross section above 50 eV for Ru-3(CO)(12)

Implementing the European policies for alien species: networking, science, and partnership in a complex environment

The European Commission has recognized the need for more stringent action to manage biological invasions and has committed to develop a dedicated legislative instrument. Under this upcoming legislation, European countries and their relevant institutions will have additional obligations and commitments in respect to invasive alien species. In September 2012, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) launched the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) to facilitate the exploration of existing alien species information from distributed sources and to assist the implementation of European policies on biological invasions. Subsequent to the launching of EASIN, there was an evident need to define its niche within a complex environment of global, European, regional and national information systems. Herein we propose an organizational chart clearly defining the role of each actor in this framework, and we emphasize the need for collaboration in order to effectively support EU policies

Alien species in North-West Russian Arctic – Information campaign to prevent travellers bringing alien species to the Arctic

Thomassen, J., Mizin, I., Polikarpov, A., Stokmo, J.A., Bruteig, I.E., Niemivuo-Lahti, J., Josefsson, M. & Westergaard, K.B. 2022. Alien species in North-West Russian Arctic – Information campaign to prevent travellers bringing alien species to the Arctic. NINA Report 2093. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. Alien species are a serious threat to biodiversity, human health and the global economy, and perhaps especially in the Arctic where the environment is particularly vulnerable. Under the auspices of the Arctic Council through CAFF/PAME, the Arctic Invasive Alien Species (ARIAS) initiative is an important work on alien species in the Arctic. In the ARIAS Strategy and Action Plan 2017 (CAFF & PAME 2017), one of the priority actions is to develop targeted communication and dissemination measures aimed to raise awareness of invasive alien species. The project “Alien species in North-West Russian Arctic – Information campaign to prevent travellers bringing alien species to Arctic” is a direct follow-up to this prioritized action. The project focus on simple measures that travellers can take to prevent them from taking stowaways (alien species) on their trip to the Arctic. A pilot project with Svalbard as case was conducted in 2018-2019 and based on experiences from this pilot the campaign was extended to North-West Russian Arctic in 2020-2021. The main message emerges through an animation film of ca. 2 minutes. The film is produced in two versions, one in English and one in Russian, both with subtitles in 13 languages (English, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Icelandic, Greenlandic, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese). The film and further information can be found on the project's website https://www.stoparcticaliens.com/. The information campaign has been spread through a variety of channels to travellers via, among others, internet and social media. The animation film is built up around a "border guard" (polar bear) who guards the entrance to the Arctic and meets three different types of travellers (cruise tourist, backpacker, researcher/resident) who have come to the Arctic by plane or boat. The polar bear examines the tourists to find stowaways on clothing, equipment or in their luggage. Alien species are symbolized through seeds, insects and parasites that can potentially establish and spread in the Arctic. The message from the polar bear is that each individual can do simple measures (brush, hoover and wash clothes and equipment) before departure and at arrival to protect the vulnerable Arctic environment. In the film, the polar bear speaks English and Russian. The message is spread through various Russian channels reaching travellers directly or indirectly. Due to the covid19 pandemic the numbers of travellers have been low compared to the situation before the pandemic, but we have tried to reach as many as possible and aim for the campaign to be operational and sustainable when the pandemic situation allows for increased travelling activities to the North-West Russian Arctic. The information campaign in North-West Russian Arctic is funded by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway.Й. Томассен, И. Мизин, А. Поликарпов, Й.А. Стокмо, И.Е. Брутейг, Ниемивуо-Лахти, М. Йозефссон, К.Б.Вестергаард, 2022. Чужеродные виды в северо-западной части Российской Арктики - информационная кампания по предотвращению завоза чужеродных видов в Арктику путешественниками. Отчет Норвежского института исследования природы (NINA) 2093. Норвежский институт исследования природы. Чужеродные виды представляют собой серьезную угрозу для биоразнообразия, здоровья человека и мировой экономики, и, возможно, особенно для Арктики, где природа особенно уязвима. Инициатива по работе с инвазивными чужеродными видами в Арктике (ARIAS) является важной деятельностью под эгидой Арктического совета, которая проводится рабочими группами по сохранению флоры и фауны и морской среды (CAFF/PAME). В стратегии и плане действий Инициативы по работе с инвазивными чужеродными видами в Арктике на 2017 год (CAFF и PAME 2017 год) одним из приоритетных видов деятельности является разработка целевых мер по коммуникации и мер по борьбе с распространением семян растений, направленных на повышение осведомленности об инвазивных чужеродных видах. Проект "Чужеродные виды на северо-западе российской Арктики» – представляет собой информационную кампанию по предотвращению завоза чужеродных видов в Арктику и является следующим этапом данного приоритетного вида деятельности. Проект сосредоточен на самых простых мерах, которые путешественники могут предпринять для предотвращения завоза чужеродных видов (так называемых «безбилетников») во время своей поездки в Арктику. Пилотный проект на Шпицбергене проводился в 2018-2019 годах, и основываясь на его опыте информационная кампания была распространена на Северо-Запад Российской Арктики в 2020-2021 годах. Основное послание туристам выражается в анимационном фильме продолжительностью около 2 минут. Фильм выпущен в двух версиях, одна на английском, другая на русском, обе с субтитрами на 13 языках (английском, норвежском, финском, шведском, исландском, гренландском, немецком, французском, испанском, итальянском, русском, мандаринском и японском). Фильм и дополнительную информацию можно найти на сайте проекта https://www.stoparcticaliens.com/. Информационная кампания распространялась по различным каналам среди путешественников, в частности, через Интернет и социальные сети. Анимационный фильм связан с "сотрудником пограничной службы" (белым медведем), который охраняет вход в Арктику и встречает три разных типа путешественников (круизные туристы, пешие туристы, исследователи/местные жители), которые прибывают в Арктику на самолете или лодке. Белый медведь осматривает туристов, чтобы найти «безбилетников» на одежде, снаряжении или в багаже. Чужеродные виды представлены семенами растений, насекомыми и паразитами, которые потенциально могут обосноваться и распространиться в Арктике. Послание белого медведя заключается в том, что каждый человек может предпринять доступные ему простые меры (почистить щеткой, пропылесосить и постирать одежду и снаряжение) до отъезда и по прибытии в Арктику, чтобы защитить уязвимую арктическую среду. В фильме белый медведь говорит на английском и русском языках. Сообщение распространяется по различным российским каналам, прямо или косвенно информируя путешественников. В связи с пандемией коронавирусной инфекции 2019 года число путешественников было достаточно низким по сравнению с ситуацией до начала пандемии, но мы постарались охватить как можно больше людей и стремимся к тому, чтобы информационная кампания была эффективной и устойчивой, к тому моменту, когда ситуация с пандемией позволит увеличить количество экспедиций в северо-западную часть российской Арктики. Информационная кампания финансируется Министерством климата и окружающей среды Норвегии.Thomassen, J., Mizin, I., Polikarpov, A., Stokmo, J.A., Bruteig, I.E., Niemivuo-Lahti, J., Josefsson, M. & Westergaard, K.B. 2022. Fremmede arter i nord-vest arktiske Russland – Informasjonskampanje for å hindre at reisende bringer med seg fremmede arter til Arktis. NINA Rapport 2093. Norsk institutt for naturforskning. Fremmede arter er en alvorlig trussel mot biologisk mangfold, menneskets helse og økonomi globalt, og særlig i Arktis hvor miljøet er spesielt sårbart. I regi av Arktisk råd gjennom CAFF/PAME er Arctic Invasive Alien Species (ARIAS)-initiativet et viktig arbeid når det gjelder fremmede arter i Arktis. I ARIAS Strategy and Action Plan 2017 (CAFF & PAME 2017) er en av de prioriterte handlingene å lage målrettete kommunikasjons- og formidlingstiltak med formål å øke bevisstheten omkring fremmede arter. Prosjektet «Fremmede arter i nord-vest arktiske Russland – Informasjonskampanje for å hindre at reisende bringer med seg fremmede arter til Arktis» er en direkte oppfølging av dette. Prosjektet har fokusert på enkle tiltak som den reisende selv kan iverksette for å hindre at de tar med seg fremmede arter som blindpassasjerer på sin reise til Arktis. Et pilotprosjekt med Svalbard som case ble gjennomført i 2018-2019, og basert på erfaringer fra denne piloten ble kampanjen utvidet til nord-vest Russland i 2020-2021. Hovedbudskapet framkommer gjennom en animasjonsfilm på ca. 2 minutter. Filmen er laget i 2 versjoner, en engelsk og en russisk. Begge versjonene er tekstet på 13 språk (engelsk, norsk, finsk, svensk, islandsk, grønlandsk, tysk, fransk, spansk, italiensk, russisk, mandarin og japansk). Filmen og videre informasjon finnes på prosjektets hjemmeside https://www.stoparcticaliens.com/. Informasjonskampanjen er spredd til de reisende via en rekke kanaler, bl.a. gjennom internett og sosiale media. Animasjonsfilmen er bygget opp omkring en «grensevakt» (isbjørn) som passer på inngangen til Arktis og som møter tre ulike typer reisende (cruiseturist, backpacker, forsker/fastboende) som har kommet til Arktis med fly eller båt. Isbjørnen undersøker turistene for å finne blindpassasjerer på klær, utstyr eller i bagasjen. Fremmede arter er symbolisert gjennom frø, insekter og parasitter som potensielt kan etablere og spre seg i Arktis. Budskapet fra isbjørnen er at den enkelte kan gjøre noe selv (børst, støvsug og vask klær og utstyr) før avreise og ved ankomst for å beskytte det sårbare arktiske miljøet. I filmen snakker isbjørnen engelsk og russisk. Budskapet er spredd til reisende gjennom ulike russiske kanaler, direkte eller indirekte. Grunnet covid19-pandemien har det vært få reisende sammenliknet med situasjonen før pandemien, men vi har likevel forsøkt å nå så mange som mulig med et mål om at kampanjen skal være operativ og bærekraftig når pandemien tillater økt reiseaktivitet til nord-vest arktiske Russland. Informasjonskampanjen i nord-vest arktiske Russland er finansiert av Klima- og miljødepartementet i Norge

Ionization and photofragmentation of Ru-3(CO)(12) and Os-3(CO)(12)

In this paper, we use a combination of photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and density functional theory calculations to get a detailed understanding of valence single and double ionization and the subsequent dissociation processes. This is exemplified on benchmark systems, trimetallo-dodecacarbonyls M-3(CO)(12) with M = Ru, Os, where the energy remaining in the molecule after photoionization can be retrieved by measuring the degree of fragmentation of the molecular ion. The intensity of different mass peaks can thus be directly related to ionization cross sections obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy. We find that the M-CO dissociation energy rises as the number of CO ligands decreases due to dissociation. Moreover, ionization of the CO ligands has a higher cross section than that of the metal center for both single and double ionization. After advanced fragmentation, a CO bond can break and the carbon atom remains bonded to the metal core. In addition, we found that the valence ionization cross sections of M-3(CO)(12) are maximal at about 40 eV photon energy thus showing a more pronounced shape resonance than Ru and Os-complexes with a single metal atom center. Finally, an np. nd giant resonance absorption causes a significant increase of the ionization cross section above 50 eV for Ru-3(CO)(12)