15.3.4
Alien Species Impact Reduction on Campus
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the University of Thessaly’s commitment to identifying, controlling, and reducing the impact of alien and invasive species within its campuses, research fields, and managed lands. The goal is to preserve native biodiversity, prevent ecological degradation, and ensure that all university operations contribute to a balanced and sustainable campus ecosystem.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All University properties, including campuses, experimental farms, forests, and gardens.
– Landscaping, horticulture, and maintenance activities on University grounds.
– Research and teaching activities involving plant and animal species.
– Partnerships with contractors, suppliers, and external collaborators involved in land use or vegetation management.
It also applies to projects and educational initiatives that influence or manage living organisms within the University’s jurisdiction.
3. Definitions
– Alien species: Species introduced outside their natural range, intentionally or unintentionally, by human activity.
– Invasive alien species (IAS): Alien species that establish, spread, and cause environmental, economic, or social harm.
– Native species: Organisms naturally occurring in a given ecosystem without human introduction.
– Eradication: Complete removal of an alien species from an area under management.
– Containment: Measures taken to prevent the spread of an invasive species to unaffected areas.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes the growing ecological threat posed by invasive alien species and commits to minimizing their presence and impact on University lands. To this end, the University will:
1. Identify and record alien and invasive species present on campus, where plausible.
2. Prevent the introduction of alien species through sustainable landscaping and procurement practices.
3. Implement ecological management plans to control and remove invasive species.
4. Restore native vegetation following removal activities.
5. Promote research and education on the detection, monitoring, and control of alien species.
6. Collaborate with national and regional authorities for compliance with biodiversity and invasive species regulations.
7. Raise awareness among staff and students regarding responsible behavior toward non-native flora and fauna.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The departments of the School of Agricultural Sciences and the departments of a) Environmental Engineering, b) Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, c) Biology and Biotechnology, d) Veterinary Medicine, e) Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics and f) Spatial Planning, Urban Planning and Regional Development Engineering, in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee and Infrastructure Directorate, is responsible for implementing this policy. Responsibilities include:
– Conducting regular ecological surveys to identify alien species.
– Maintaining a Campus Biodiversity Register with updates on invasive species.
– Establishing preventive controls for landscaping and plant procurement.
– Coordinating removal, containment, and restoration operations.
– Integrating awareness campaigns and training programmes for staff and students.
– Ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations concerning alien species.
Each campus administration shall designate an Environmental Coordinator responsible for reporting and local implementation.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
The Sustainability Committee shall prepare an annual Alien Species Impact Report, including:
– Species lists and their ecological risk classification, where plausible.
– Areas affected and management actions taken.
– Outcomes of control and restoration projects.
– Collaboration with external agencies (e.g., Ministry of Environment, NGOs).
Monitoring data will be integrated into the University’s Annual Sustainability Report and used for submissions to ranking and accreditation frameworks under SDG 15 (Life on Land).
7. Review and Amendment
This policy will be reviewed every three (3) years or sooner if new invasive species are detected, environmental regulations change, or institutional sustainability strategies evolve. Revisions will be proposed by the Sustainability Committee and approved by the Governing Council.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Environmental Standards
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species
– EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030
– Greek Law 4030/2011 and relevant national implementation acts
– Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)