Inspection Planning Tool for Natura 2000 Sites(NIRAM) and A Roadmap for Project Series on Invasive Alien Species (IAS)

This report details the development of a strategic plan for future IMPEL projects focusing on IAS, aiming to support the implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014. The project team conducted a questionnaire among IMPEL member states, analyzed existing EU reports and network activities, and held workshops with joint inspections to identify key challenges, best practices, and priority areas for action regarding IAS. Ultimately, the roadmap proposes a multi-annual approach with activities such as workshops on combating/eradication methods, sharing best practices, exchanging information on early detection, and raising awareness, intending to contribute to improved practical inspection work and knowledge sharing among environmental authorities.

This report documents the progress of the 2022-2024 project focused on refining NIRAM and creating training materials for its users. Several IMPEL member countries, including Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Spain (Galicia), Latvia, and the Czech Republic, participated in testing the tool and adapting it to their specific contexts. The project team incorporated feedback, added a criterion for invasive alien species, and developed resources like presentations and tutorials to facilitate NIRAM's adoption. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a standardized, risk-based approach for planning and conducting effective inspections of these vital natural sites across Europe.

This report details the application of the NIRAM tool to determine inspection frequencies for two Natura 2000 sites in Slovenia. The tool's effectiveness in reflecting real-world situations is evaluated, and guidance for NIRAM users is provided.

This report focuses on developing a planning tool for Natura 2000 site inspections. It describes the NIRAM tool, a risk-based approach to determine inspection frequency, and its application in the Neretve Delta, Croatia.