Determining the list of the presence and distribution of invasive plant species in the territory of Montenegro

The spread of invasive alien species and their negative impacts on natural and urban ecosystems is one of the priority problems and needs in the field of environmental protection that has to be addressed. Plant invasion has been recognized as one of the most serious environmental problems affecting the structure, composition and function of natural, semi-natural and urban ecosystems.

In order to support the preparation of a list of alien and invasive alien species that may cause concern and create negative effects on ecosystems in Montenegro, as well as to contribute to the development of the Action Plan to Combat Alien and Invasive Alien Species, Parks Dinarides have started the implementation of the project “Defining the list of presence and distribution of invasive plant species in the territory of Montenegro.”

The project will include desktop research to define a list of alien and invasive alien plant species of concern to ecosystems in Montenegro. Data from existing scientific and professional research will be used for the inventory of invasive plant species. In addition to defining the list of alien and invasive alien plant species, a brief report will be prepared to accompany the Action Plan to Combat Alien and Invasive Alien Plant Species, which will include information on mapping, distribution, impact and suggestions on how we can influence, control and reduce their negative impact as well as their elimination.

In addition, the aim of the project is to provide information and introduce the public to the concept of invasive alien plant species. In this regard, an educational campaign will be conducted in the field of raising public awareness about the problems caused by invasive plant species, as well as the importance and protection of biodiversity loss caused by this problem. The educational material will be available to the general public through the communication network of the Parks Dinarides, and it is planned to be distributed to institutions in all municipalities in the territory of Montenegro where this problem was noticed, as well as to high school students.

Parks Dinarides will, through a consultative meeting with the organizations that approved the project through the same call, unite individual lists and define one final list of alien and invasive alien species in Montenegro.

As a final activity of this project, a round table will be organized at which a unified list of foreign and invasive plant species registered in Montenegro will be presented to all interested parties.

The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism through a public competition for financing the program for determining the List of Alien and Invasive Alien Species. The project will last 6 months.