EASIN: Europe’s Hub for Invasive Species Data & Tools | Page 20

INVASIONS BULLETINIssue 1 May 2025

Research Projects and Networks

Addressing data needs on alien species in Europe: the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN)

Addressing data needs on alien species in Europe: the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN)

To address knowledge needs on alien species occurring in Europe, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission established in 2012 the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN). EASIN facilitates the exploration of alien species information from a network of global and European data partners, experts, and EU Member States (MS) Competent Authorities, through mapping tools and services. It provides technical and scientific support to policy makers, researchers and managers in their efforts to tackle biological invasions through data analysis and modelling. 

Illustration above: Cumulative distribution of the 88 invasive alien species of Union concern at EEA grid 10x10 km level 

In particular, EASIN has been appointed as the official information system facilitating the implementation of the EU Regulation on invasive alien species, and supports EU policies on biodiversity and on invasive alien species (IAS), enabling the European Commission and MS to make informed decisions, prioritize actions, and allocate resources effectively.

Furthermore, EASIN contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge on IAS in the EU through in-house research activities, and in collaboration with EU-funded research projects (e.g. GuardIAS and OneStop), scientific networks and international organizations, including IUCN. It also promotes citizens’ participation initiatives in reporting IAS through Citizen Science, fostering a collaborative and engaging approach to address this issue.

The web portal acts as a single gateway to harmonized data and updated scientific information on AS across 64 countries, ensuring visibility and credit to data owners, and displaying the work of other initiatives. 

-       Species search and mapping

-       RESTful services for querying and retrieving species information from species catalogue and geospatial database

-       Dynamic maps and species factsheets

-       Resources, such as species risk assessments, information on IAS impact, IAS distribution baselines, management information, and a repository of citizen science projects

-       European early warning system (NOTSYS), allowing  EU MS to comply with Articles 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the IAS Regulation

-       Smartphone and web application enabling the public to report the presence of IAS of Union concern, promoting citizen involvement in IAS management

-       Education: online course, awareness raising and Citizens’ engagement through science communication, including social media.

[1] 27 EU Member States, 5 Candidate countries to the European Union, and 32 other neighboring countries (EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network - Catalogue)

 

Support for policy