Alien Species in Norway - with the Norwegian Black List 2012
Geographical coverage
| Geographical scale of the assessment | National |
|---|---|
| Country or countries covered | Norway, Svalbard and Jan Mayen |
| Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name |
All Norwegian territories on the Northern Hemisphere, including marine. |
Geographical scale of the assessment
National
Country or countries covered
Norway, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name
All Norwegian territories on the Northern Hemisphere, including marine.
Conceptual framework, methodology and scope
Assessment objectives
The objective is to create an overview of ecological impact assessments of alien species which reproduce in Norwegian territories. The assessments are based upon a new and semiquantitative set of criteria, where the species’ invasion potential and ecological effect are considered. The assessment includes a "Black List" of the alien species with most severe impact on Norwegian ecosystems and species.
Mandate for the assessment
Part of the national mandated given to NBIC.
Conceptual framework and/or methodology used for the assessment
Other (please specify)
The assessments are based upon a new and semiquantitative set of criteria, where the species’ invasion potential and ecological effect are considered.
URL or copy of conceptual framework developed or adapted
Framework described in report: http://www.artsdatabanken.no/Article/Article/133437 Methods published in Biodiversity and Conservation: January 2013, Volume 22, Issue 1, pp 37-62 Generic ecological impact assessments of alien species in Norway: a semi-quantitative set of criteria http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-012-0394-z
System(s) assessed
- Marine
- Coastal
- Inland water
- Forest and woodland
- Cultivated/Agricultural land
- Grassland
- Mountain
- Polar
Species groups assessed
All multicellular taxonomic groups
Ecosystem services/functions assessed
Provisioning
Regulating
Supporting Services/Functions
- Habitat maintenance
Cultural Services
Scope of assessment includes
Drivers of change in systems and services
Yes
Impacts of change in services on human well-being
No
Options for responding/interventions to the trends observed
No
Explicit consideration of the role of biodiversity in the systems and services covered by the assessment
Yes
Timing of the assessment
Year assessment started
2009
Year assessment finished
2012
If ongoing, year assessment is anticipated to finish
Periodicity of assessment
Repeated
If repeated, how frequently
Planned revision every 5th year
Assessment outputs
Website(s)
http://www.artsdatabanken.no/Article/Article/133437
News article: New method for ecological risk assessments of alien species used in Norway: http://www.biodiversity.no/ArticleList.aspx?m=34&amid=12049
Report(s)
Communication materials (e.g. brochure, presentations, posters, audio-visual media)
Journal publications
Training materials
Other documents/outputs
Tools and processes
Tools and approaches used in the assessment
- Modelling
- Geospatial analysis
Process used for stakeholder engagement in the assessment process and which component
Pure scientific assessment, only engagement from the scientific community
Key stakeholder groups engaged
No other
The number of people directly involved in the assessment process
10-100
Incorporation of scientific and other types of knowledge
- Scientific information only
Supporting documentation for specific approaches, methodology or criteria developed and/or used to integrate knowledge systems into the assessment
An Alien species database has been developed for all documentation, and forms a basis for a searchable web-service open for all users (Norwegian only).
Assessment reports peer reviewed
No
Data
Accessibility of data used in assessment
An Alien species database has been developed for all documentation, and forms a basis for a searchable web-service with open access(Norwegian only).
Policy impact
Impacts the assessment has had on policy and/or decision making, as evidenced through policy references and actions
This assessment forms a basic knowledge platform for all national and regional policy development on alien species in Norway. In particular within the framework of the Nature Diversity Act.
Independent or other review on policy impact of the assessment
No
Lessons learnt for future assessments from these reviews
The newly developed method proves to be a very good basis for such assessments and will be used and enhanced in next revision. Focus on lacks of data and uncertainty.
Capacity building
Capacity building needs identified during the assessment
Needs for experts covering broad taxonomic groups. Knowledge on this type of assessment methodology.
Actions taken by the assessment to build capacity
Network and sharing experiences, Sharing of data/repatriation of data, Workshops, Developing/promoting and providing access to support tools, Communication and awareness raising
How have gaps in capacity been communicated to the different stakeholders
Addressed to national authorities through meetings, seminars, news articles, etc.
Knowledge generation
Gaps in knowledge identified from the assessment
More knowledge needed on alien species and their impact in general. This includes their ecological effect and invasion potential. More systematised and international knowledge of this is also needed.
How gaps in knowledge have been communicated to the different stakeholders
Addressed to national authorities through meetings, seminars, news articles, etc.
International challenges has also been adressed through international meetings and seminars, etc.
Additional relevant information
The Norwegian experience on this field has generated a great interest in the international community dealing with knowledge and assessment of alien species.
