Webinar: Nordic IAS Forum – Pathways of Spread and Management Solutions for Invasive Alien Species
Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a major threat to northern biodiversity. IAS spread both through human activity and natural pathways, such as watercourses, regardless of borders. Therefore, cross-border collaboration is crucial to prevent the spread.
The BB Alien project brings together Sweden and Finland to improve the eradication and prevention of IAS. Building on the Barents IAS project (2022-2024), which established the Nordic IAS network for professionals, this project further enhances collaboration and information sharing towards better management of IAS.
In the second webinar in the series, the focus will be on IAS spreading pathways. We will discuss different IAS spreading pathways in the Nordics, which pathways are most important to target, and what solutions are available.
There will be three keynote speakers:
- Sami Markkanen: The spread of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) and other invasive alien plant species through certified seed lots imported to Finland
- Sanna Kuningas: The rapid spread of pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) in the ponds of Southern Finland
- Henrik Lange: Obama nungara in Sweden - Pathways of spread, environmental threats, and response option
In addition to these keynotes, we will also hear talks from the perspectives of grass-roots level practitioners (names TBC).
Who should join?
Professionals from municipalities, companies, and regional administrations as well as scientists in Finland and Sweden who work with IAS prevention and management — and anyone interested in learning more.
Time and place
Time: Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 10.00–11.45 (UTC+3, Finnish time)
Place: Teams (participation link will be available on the project’s website and sent to registered participants)
The webinar is open to everyone. Please share this invitation with your networks and colleagues who may be interested.
The webinar programme will be updated on the project’s website.
Welcome!
The project runs from 1 March 2025 to 29 February 2028 and is funded by the EU Interreg Aurora fund.