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

"The goal is 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 of the Biodiversity and Environment Institute of the University of Navarra and coordinator of the workshop.

This workshop-which takes place in person at the auditorium 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 workshop will address topics such as management, impact, awareness and prevention of aquatic invasive alien species by the following experts and researchers: Rafael Miranda, Nora Escribano and Julen Torrens, from Biodiversity and Environment Institute of the University of Navarra; José Ardaiz, from department of development Rural and Environment of the Government of Navarra; Filipe Ribeiro, from School of Sciences of the University of Lisbon; and Miguel Clavero, from 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, however, "our knowledge is insufficient, and sometimes very biased", warned Miranda. For the researcher: "the success in the control of IAS depends on the partnership 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 workshop 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 Biodiversity and Environment Institute of the University of Navarra and the Government of Navarra.