On 5 September 2019, Mars Di Bartolomeo, Member of the Chamber of Deputies, addressed a parliamentary question to the Minister of the Environment regarding the European list of invasive alien species.

Question 1

Which species on this list have been recorded in Luxembourg?

Response from Carole Dieschbourg, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development:

Plants (5 species):

1. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
2. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
3. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
4. Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii)
5. Parrot’s feather (Myriophylum aquaticum)

Animals (9 species):

1. Spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus)
2. Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
3. Topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva)
4. Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
5. Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
6. Coypu (Myocastor coypus)
7. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
8. Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
9. Red eared slider (Trachemys scripta).

Question 2

Given that these species pose a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, what is his Ministry’s strategy for more effective eradication, management and control methods to combat the adverse effects associated with this phenomenon?

Response from Carole Dieschbourg, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development:

In accordance with European regulations, Luxembourg’s strategy to counter the environmental and social problems caused by invasive alien species has four main components, namely

1. prevention,
2. early detection and rapid eradication,
3. management,
4. awareness and training.

There are two scenarios:

1. the establishment of emerging species and any new invasive alien species detected on national territory is prevented;
2. populations of widely distributed species are controlled, in order to reduce their environmental and social impacts and avoid further spread.

For widespread species, “Invasive Alien Species Action Plans” have been developed, which include the actions to be implemented for each species. All actions thus defined shall be based on the best scientific knowledge and shall take due account of cost-effectiveness, human health, the environment and animal welfare.

A public consultation will be launched shortly for each action plan.

Original documents

– parliamentary question n°1160 of 5 September 2019
– parliamentary question n°1160 – reply of 7 October 2019