The money that the Flemish government allocates to combat invasive alien species increased to €3 million.
It represents a threefold increase from the previously allocated €1 million against exotic plants and animals that are dangerous to our nature or our health.
This is according to figures requested by Flemish Member of Parliament Sanne Van Looy (N-VA) from Flemish Minister for the Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V), Het Nieuwsblad reported on Wednesday. The news is also featured in other Mediahuis newspapers.
According to the Agency for Nature and Forests, nature in Europe is struggling with around 11,000 invaders. Their numbers are also increasing in Flanders.
"It is not so much global warming that is causing more invasive species. Some species are able to survive better due to global warming," explains Nicolas Pardon of the Agency for Nature and Forests.
The larger budget is not only due to the greater number of exotic species, but also to increasing knowledge and the implementation of European obligations.
€787,000 went to Japanese knotweed, while the Asian hornet and tiger mosquito took the crown with €558,000 and €357,817 respectively.
In addition to the Agency for Nature and Forests, the Agency for Roads and Traffic, the Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries, De Vlaamse Waterweg and the Flemish Environment Agency are also doing their part to combat invasive species.
The Agency for Nature and Forests is responsible for coordination, concludes contracts with organisations or companies in the field and supports the municipalities in their approach.
