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The LIFE STOPVESPA project, which had as its main purpose the establishment of an Early Warning and Rapid Response System and the spatial containment of Vespa velutina populations in Italy, ended on 31st July 2019.

The project worked, after a first preparatory phase that began in August 2015 (Actions A1-A6), to create a management strategy for the species based on the rapid detection and destruction of the colonies, thanks to monitoring and destroyers' teams specially formed by the project (C2, C4). The collaboration with the Civil Defense Teams allowed to increase the subjects involved in the management strategy for Vespa velutina and therefore the effectiveness of the strategy itself. The control activities contributed to limit the further spread of Vespa velutina, thanks to the detection and destruction of more than 2,200 colonies of the species in the years 2015 - 2019. In addition, filed activates carried out by the University of Turin allowed to collect relevant data on the biology of the species (C3) and the impacts that the species causes on beekeeping and biodiversity (D1, D3). In these years, the project has also worked on communication aspects for the dissemination of results at different levels, raising awareness among citizens, students, stakeholders, authorities and public administrations, as well as to the scientific community (E1-E4).

As part of the project, a Vespa Emergency Team was also set up to timely operate on a national scale in the event of suspected Vespa velutina reports (Action F2). The experience acquired and the developed procedures are important points of reference for the future management of this species in Italy (C4, F3).

 

ACTIONS DEVELOPED BY THE LIFE STOPVESPA PROJECT

A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans

A1 Preparation of the legal and administrative assistance for a correct carrying out of the Project

A2 Set up of methods and tools to monitor and control Vespa velutina

A3 Training of staff (project + volunteers) in monitoring methods

A4 Defining the distribution and size of Vespa velutina colonies in Piedmont and Liguria

A5 Assessing the negative impacts of Vespa velutina and identifying drivers and pathways of introduction

A6 Preparation of a Best Management Strategy for Vespa velutina in Piedmont and Liguria


C. Concrete conservation actions

C1 Development of a new radar tool to locate Vespa velutina nests

C2 Management of Vespa velutina colonies in Piemonte and Liguria

C3 Collection of biological information on Vespa velutina from the captured animals to improve species management

C4 Establishement of an Early Warning and Rapid Response System


D. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions

D1 Monitoring the evolution of Vespa velutina in Piemonte and Liguria

D2 Monitoring the cost/effectiveness of the harmonic radar developed to locate Vespa velutina nests

D3 Monitoring the level of information on the presence and threat posed by Vespa velutina on biodiversity


E. Public awareness and dissemination of results

E1 Preparing materials and planning communication activities

E2 Education and awareness raising

E3 Networking and dissemination of “best practices” with other projects (LIFE or not) and at national/international level

E4 Creating and up-dating the project website


F. Project management and monitoring of project progress

F1 General management and monitoring of the project

F2 Establishment of an Emergency Team

F3 Preparation of the After-LIFE Plan

F4 Evaluating indicators of the project

F5 Producing the Layman's report

F6 External audit of the financial consistency of the project