The aim of the project is both to monitor the spread of the emerald ash borer and to assess beetle biodiversity dynamics before and during emerald ash borer invasion.
Considering the increasing danger posed to the world’s ecosystems by the introduction and spread of new, harmful insects and pathogens, driven by the growing globalisation of plant material trade and exacerbated by climate change, it is crucial to focus on developing measures to regulate the transportation of goods and to monitor forests along the main international routes, employing standardised detection methods.
The participants will be involved in designing and testing the most effective and reliable methods for early detection of pests by assessing insect diversity and population dynamics through enhancing the knowledge of forest biodiversity and comparing forest conditions along the borders of Baltic Sea countries under similar environmental circumstances. The result of the project will be a cross-border monitoring programme.