IASON
Invasive Alien Species Observatory and Network Development for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in Black Sea Deltaic Protected Areas
About the project
IASON (Invasive Alien Species Observatory and Network Development for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in Black Sea Deltaic Protected Areas) project unites the efforts of 6 Project Partners from 5 Black Sea countries (Romania, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey and Georgia) in a multisectoral & multidisciplinary project-consortium.
Under a global changing environment, the Black Sea is found in between the European and Asian crossroad and in the transition between the Mediterranean and North. A great number of stakeholders have developed economic activities around the Black Sea coastline, especially at the deltas, which are known for their density in population and growth potential (such as fishing, fisheries and aquacultures, tourism and recreation, farming etc).
Historically, the Black Sea is under the invasion of alien species from the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea due to various reasons such as shipping and global warming. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is the central point on which this proposal makes focus, because if not sufficiently monitored and assessed they may alter dramatically not only the ecosystem balance but also a range of already well established socio-economic activities.
Joint monitoring actions on IAS in Black Sea deltaic ecosystems under predicted climatic conditions.
Overall objective
The overall objective of the project is to establish, perform and communicate joint monitoring actions on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Black Sea deltaic ecosystems and assess their response under current and predicted climatic conditions.
Specific objectives
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Develop and implement joint monitoring and risk assessment procedures
Motivate and assist countries in creating their IAS inventories, and develop common data inventories and assessment results at a cross-border level.
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Improve long-term cross-border collaboration and research capacity
Use innovative technologies on IAS monitoring and develop ICT tools to provide management, access and use of acquired information and project results.
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Improve cooperation on IAS monitoring through public involvement
Foster cross-border collaboration and exchange of information to address current and future IAS threats and encourage stakeholders at all levels.