Premium
The voluntary C ode of conduct on invasive alien plants in B elgium: results and lessons learned from the A lter IAS LIFE + project
Author(s) -
Halford M.,
Heemers L.,
van Wesemael D.,
Mathys C.,
Wallens S.,
Branquart E.,
Vanderhoeven S.,
Monty A.,
Mahy G.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/epp.12111
Subject(s) - ode , ornamental plant , alien , alien species , frame (networking) , political science , engineering , ecology , invasive species , biology , mathematics , telecommunications , law , politics , citizenship
Voluntary approaches have been recently used in the horticultural sector to deal with the introduction and spread of invasive alien plants. In B elgium, the first C ode of conduct has been developed within the frame of the A lter IAS project, a LIFE + “ I nformation & C ommunication” project aiming at raising the awareness of horticulture professionals and gardeners on the invasive plants issue. The B elgian C ode was prepared in consultation with representatives from the ornamental sector, public authorities and the scientific community. The C ode was promoted throughout the country with a specific communication campaign entitled “ P lant different”. Thanks to communication efforts, a positive dynamic of involvement was observed over time. Surveys were performed to assess the changes of attitudes and the perception of the C ode by the target audience of the project. Positive results were achieved for horticulture professionals. However, the C ode will require more time to be widely adopted by the ornamental sector in B elgium.