SPA/RAC is organising a workshop for the validation of the National Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species in the Egyptian Mediterranean coasts, Cairo (Egypt), October 11^th 2017

The trend of new introductions of alien species in the Mediterranean has been increasing. At least 1000 marine alien species have been reported in the Mediterranean Sea up to now, of which more than half are considered established (Zenetos et al, 2012). Many of these species have become invasive with serious negative impacts on biodiversity, human health and ecosystem services.

To ensure more efficiency of the measures envisaged by the Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species, Mediterranean countries are invited to establish National Actions Plans (NAP) to prevent the introduction of new alien species and to mitigate their negative impacts in the marine environment.

In this context, SPA/RAC is assisting the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) to elaborate a national action Plan concerning species introduction and invasive species in the Egyptian Mediterranean coasts.

The NAP is focusing on the following priorities:

1. Establishing coordinating mechanisms among relevant ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders dealing with Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in Egypt.
2. Monitoring trends in abundance, temporal occurrence and spatial distribution of NIS.
3. Conducting research and develop information management to control NIS.
4. Enhancing public awareness and education on NIS.
5. Building capacity among relevant ministries and other stakeholders to implement the action plan.
6. Evaluating and implementing legislation, policies and regulation on NIS.

The workshop organized by SPA/RAC in collaboration with EEAA in Cairo (Egypt), on October 11^th 2017, aims to discuss the proposed action plan for its validation with a view to its future implementation.