The University of Navarra Science Museum brings together experts to address the problem of invasive species on the Iberian Peninsula

The Science Museum of the University of Navarra will host a monographic workshop on invasive alien aquatic species (IAS) on November 15, in which experts will discuss how to improve the management of one of the greatest threats to national ecosystems. 

"The objective is to share knowledge that will allow us to efficiently address the management of IAS in the aquatic ecosystems of Spain and Portugal.", he explained Rafael Miranda Ferreiroresearcher at the Institute of Biodiversity and Environment of the University of Navarra and coordinator of the conference.

This workshop -which will be held in person in the Assembly Hall of the Science Library Building of the University of Navarra- is aimed at all those involved in the management of biodiversity and water resources, from NGO managers to university students and researchers.

The following experts and researchers will address issues such as management, impact, awareness and prevention of aquatic invasive alien species: Rafael Miranda, Nora Escribano and Julen Torrens, from the Institute of Biodiversity and Environment of the University of Navarra; José Ardaiz, from the Department of Rural Development and Environment of the Government of Navarra; Filipe Ribeiro, from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon; and Miguel Clavero, from the Department of Conservation Biology of the Biological Station of Doñana-CSIC.

IAS "are one of those great environmental problems that we have to solve" and one of the main causes of the current loss of biodiversity and, nevertheless, "our knowledge is insufficient, and sometimes very biased", warned Miranda. For the researcher, "success in the control of IAS depends on the collaboration of all the parties involved, including the general public".

This initiative is part of the European Life Invasaqua project on invasive alien species in freshwater and estuarine systems, a governance and communication project co-funded by the European Union to advance awareness and training on IAS in Spain and Portugal.

The Science Museum of the University of Navarra hosts this conference within its program of activities for Science Week and has the support of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) / Ministry of Science and Innovation, the European project LIFE Invasaqua, the Institute of Biodiversity and Environment of the University of Navarra and the Government of Navarra.