The voluntary C ode of conduct on invasive alien plants in B elgium: results and lessons learned from the A lter IAS LIFE + project

作者：Mathieu Halford, Leen Heemers, Dorien Van Wesemael, Catherine Mathys, Sabine Wallens, Étienne Branquart, Sonia Vanderhoeven, Arnaud Monty, Grégory Mahy · 发表于：EPPO Bulletin · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1111/epp.12111 · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Biological Control of Invasive Species、Plant and animal studies、Forest Insect Ecology and Management

Voluntary approaches have been recently used in the horticultural sector to deal with the introduction and spread of invasive alien plants. In Belgium, the first Code of conduct has been developed within the frame of the AlterIAS project, a LIFE+ “Information & Communication” project aiming at raising the awareness of horticulture professionals and gardeners on the invasive plants issue. The Belgian Code was prepared in consultation with representatives from the ornamental sector, public authorities and the scientific community. The Code was promoted throughout the country with a specific communication campaign entitled “Plant different”. Thanks to communication efforts, a positive dynamic of involvement was observed over time. Surveys were performed to assess the changes of attitudes and the perception of the Code by the target audience of the project. Positive results were achieved for horticulture professionals. However, the Code will require more time to be widely adopted by the ornamental sector in Belgium.