Signature of agreement for the REMINAT project, in the presence of the Minister Delegate for Overseas Territories

The invasion by invasive alien species (IAS) represents a major threat to the natural environments of Reunion Island. These species, introduced voluntarily or involuntarily by humans, are characterized by a strong capacity to propagate, which makes them more competitive than native species, especially in disturbed environments.

This threat has been identified for a long time in Reunion Island and is the subject of coordinated actions within the framework of the “operational plans to combat invasive species” (POLI) backed by the Regional Biodiversity Strategy. It is also well identified in the national park charter approved in 2014. However, in 2017, an IUCN report warned about the state of conservation of the “Pitons, cirques and ramparts” property inscribed on the List of World Heritage Site, due to the increasing presence of IAS.
In 2018, a partnership program aimed at completing knowledge of invasion levels, amplifying the R&D dimension applied to the field and integrating interface management was launched. This involves developing an operational, hierarchical and rationalized approach for the fight against IAS and the restoration of environments.

The REMINAT project supported by the Green Fund is a continuation of this partnership program. It is structured around 6 axes and objectives:

• develop tools and knowledge to build a prioritized strategy for restoration actions and data banking;
• characterize the degree of invasion on priority massifs;
• prioritize and establish a multi-annual, multi-stakeholder program for restoration actions;
• conduct experiments and improve ecological restoration routes;
• evaluate restoration actions;
• integrate and amplify the approach to the management of interfaces between anthropized environments and priority natural spaces.

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