COntingency plans
The Regulation (EU) n°1143/2014 on IAS emphasizes the importance of preventing the establishment of invasive alien species (IAS) within the EU and taking swift action if they do establish.
In line with this, Belgium is committed to developing comprehensive contingency plans and establishing clear governance structures to enable rapid and effective responses. These
contingency plans contribute to fulfill the obligation of Rapid eradication at an early stage of invasion under Article 17 of the EU Regulation.
About contingency plans
Contingency plans are being developed for Belgium, outlining how the federal and regional authorities, and operational partners will respond to the outbreak of an IAS of Union Concern new to the territory. The plans will be species specific or grouped by species based on their ecology, management and the agencies involved. Contingency planning and outbreak management starts with the anticipation and assessment of potential threats, includes preparation and response and finishes with withdrawal of specific response procedures.
The plans are drafted by the National Scientific Secretariat on IAS and are approved by the National Committee on IAS. These plans are dynamic and will be updated as necessary, incorporating lessons learned from actual outbreaks.
Plans for Belgium
The following contingency plans are available or are being developed:
-
Raccoondog (under development in 2025)
- Squirrels (under development in 2025)