Finland's National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species.

The present document contains Finland's National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species, whose goal is to to minimise the risk of invasive alien species already established in Finland and with a probability of being introduced to Finland, and to ensure that invasive alien species occurring in Finland and their harmful impacts are identified and combated with a comprehensive range of measures. Its objective is to reduce the damages and risks caused by invasive species to the Finnish natural environment and socio-economic well-being. The Strategy incorporates the following practical measures: 1. to increase awareness among citizens of the combating of invasive alien species and to encourage them to take action; 2. to determine the responsibilities and actions of officials and other actors in limiting the damage caused by invasive alien species; 3. to prepare for new invasive alien species threats caused by climate change and other changes in the operating environment; and 4. to improve and promote cooperation in the eradication of damage by invasive alien species nationally, at the EU level and internationally.
The document also contains the corresponding Action Plan to implement Finland’s National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species. The purpose of the Action Plan is the prevention and early elimination of the harmful impacts of invasive alien species, which is usually the most cost-effective approach. The Action Plain contains 12 general measures and 4 measures targeting specific species. Included measures are: Augment the legislation on invasive alien species; Appoint an expert body to monitor progress on measures; Introduce publicity and training measures; Set up an invasive alien species portal online; Set up an early warning and invasive alien species monitoring system; Set up a national risk assessment system; Increase research into invasive alien species; Establish potential for preventing the entry of invasive alien species into the country and for rapid deployment of measures; Encourage citizens to undertake voluntary; Develop funding mechanisms for combating invasive alien species; Ensure that the transborder migration of invasive alien species through Finland can be prevented; Participate in international action to combat invasive alien species; Address the harmful impacts of invasive alien species in the Baltic Sea and in inland waterways; Address the harmful impacts of invasive alien land vertebrate species; Address the harmful impacts of invasive alien land plant species; and Eradicate hogweeds from Finland.