A ceremonial conference launching the project “Strengthening biodiversity through the prevention of introduction, early warning, and control of invasive alien plant species (Control IAS for LIFE)” took place in Giżycko on September 22–24, 2026.
The conference was attended by representatives from the University of Silesia in Katowice, the University of Wrocław, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, the Regional Directorates for Environmental Protection in Olsztyn, Katowice, Kraków, and Wrocław, the General Directorate of State Forests and various forest districts, the State Water Holding “Polish Waters”, the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, as well as representatives of local governments, national parks, landscape parks, and non-governmental organizations, alongside representatives of the Project Leader, all Beneficiaries, and members of the Steering Committee.
The conference provided an opportunity to present the objectives, concept, and expected results of the newly launched project to the attendees. The activities planned for the next seven years were outlined by the individual beneficiaries: Prof. Barbara Tokarska-Guzik (University of Silesia), Jaromir Krajewski (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship), Dr. Anna Krzysztofiak and Dr. Lech Krzysztofiak (Man and Nature Association), Tymoteusz Nowak (Wielkopolski National Park), Katarzyna Łukowska (Wigry National Park), and Dr. Zigmantas Gudžinskas (Nature Research Centre, Lithuania).
The second part of the conference addressed the natural values of selected Natura 2000 sites and the threats facing them, including the issue of invasive alien plant species and methods for their control. These topics were presented by Prof. Czesław Hołdyński, Prof. Zbigniew Celka (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań), Dr. Monika Jędrzejczyk-Korycińska (University of Silesia), and Krzysztof Miszkiel (Borki Forest District).
One of the meeting’s key highlights was the opportunity to exchange experiences, share knowledge and new ideas during extensive discussions. The conference also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Project’s Steering Committee.
The conference took on an international dimension thanks not only to project partners from Lithuania but also to directors and staff from national parks in Kazakhstan, who presented the natural values of that country’s most precious protected areas.
The conference was funded by the European Union (LIFE Programme) and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW).
