The IV Think Tank of IMEDEA analyzes the challenges of invasive species in the Balearic Islands

19/01/2025

The Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) organized its fourth Think Tank on January 16th, titled "Invasive Species in the Balearic Islands", a meeting and reflection space dedicated to the challenges posed by invasive species in the archipelago. The event, held at Casa Esment, brought together nearly 50 experts, researchers, and key regional stakeholders to promote cooperative thinking and the transfer of scientific knowledge. The day began with a welcome by Anna Traveset, researcher at IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB).

Foto: Participants during the event 

 

Session Development
Andrea Antón, researcher at IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), kicked off the session with a presentation where she highlighted the main objectives of the event: to identify key issues, generate action proposals, and strengthen links between science and local stakeholders. Additionally, the agenda was presented, and the roles of participants, from facilitators to reporters and experts, were explained.

The Think Tank was structured in various participatory dynamics. During the first hours, attendees debated in thematic tables on the challenges associated with invasive species, divided by taxonomic groups: terrestrial fauna, terrestrial flora, marine fauna, and marine flora. Experts provided scientific rigor and contextualized the current situation, while facilitators ensured an inclusive and dynamic conversation.

Subsequently, the working groups focused on defining objectives and concrete actions, using an approach based on key questions:

  • Start: What should we start doing?

  • Stop: What practices should we leave behind?

  • Continue: What are we doing well and should keep doing?

The conclusions from each group were presented in a plenary session, fostering the exchange of ideas and ensuring the integration of all participants' perspectives.

Space for creativity and connection
The event also included informal moments to strengthen connections between attendees, such as networking rounds and a coffee break, during which finalist images from the first edition of the ”Invascópica contest were displayed. This initiative was developed within the framework of the Think Tank to raise awareness about biodiversity and the impact of invasive species.

Conclusions and next steps
At the end of the session, Andrea Antón and Julia Máñez (IMEDEA), along with part of the organizing team, thanked attendees for their participation and provided information on the next steps: the preparation of a report with the conclusions and proposals from the Think Tank, and the distribution of a feedback form to continue improving this type of initiative.

With initiatives like this, IMEDEA strengthens its commitment to the transfer of scientific knowledge and the development of solutions to address one of the greatest environmental challenges in the Balearic Islands.

 

The launch of this series of Think Tanks is made possible by the recognition of IMEDEA as a "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" (grant CEX2021-001198 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).