Ministry LVVN presents national action plan for invasive species to the House of Representatives

Biodiversity in the Netherlands is under pressure. Invasive species are one of the causes. Worldwide, 60% of plant and animal extinctions are partly attributed to invasive species, and 16% of extinctions are entirely due to invasive species. It is therefore crucial to limit the negative impact of invasive species on our ecosystems as much as possible.

The national action plan for invasive species by LVVN contains proposals for the further development of the Dutch approach to invasive species. It describes how the approach is currently organized within nature policy (both nationally and at the European level), which actions can be taken to strengthen the approach, and the financial consequences involved. This plan contributes to nature restoration.

The emphasis of the action plan is on strengthening prevention and early elimination: taking precautionary measures so that invasive species do not enter, establish, or spread further in the Netherlands. Not only because prevention is the most cost-effective way to avoid damage caused by invasive species; sometimes it is even the only option because for some species or environments no effective or efficient control measures exist yet. Because invasive species enter the Netherlands in various ways, prevention requires a tailored approach. This means, for example, exploring a possible national trade ban on typically ‘Dutch’ invasive species such as yellow flag iris, termites, and nuisance ants like the Mediterranean trap-jaw ant and the plague ant. It is considered whether a trade ban can be imposed on specific risk species or entire species groups.

The action plan also includes national agreements made between the LVVN ministry and the provinces regarding prioritization and the approach to invasive species, including ambitions per species and a financing plan for the next four years. At the end of 2024, provinces submitted an ambition document on invasive alien species to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.

We see that invasive species can enter our country in various ways. For example, through global trade in (alien) plants and animals or by hitchhiking in packaging wood, containers, boats, or trucks transporting goods. Vacationers also bring exotic plants, fruits, or animals home. In the past, alien species were often deliberately brought here, such as pets and ornamental plants.

During the spring decision-making of 2025, LVVN allocated funds to make a first start for the action plan. With the allocated budget, LVVN set priorities within the provincial task so that measures from the action plan could begin immediately. Decision-making about a follow-up, i.e., the approach to widespread species, is up to a new cabinet.