Lecture ‘Invasive Species’ at IVN Laarbeek

Frans Kapteijns will give a lecture in the IVN building De Bimd, titled "Invasive Species."

Invasive species are all plants and animals that originate elsewhere and are therefore not native. Frans will explain how harmful and threatening these can be. They have established themselves here and have no natural enemies. As a result, they can grow enormously and threaten native species. This is, of course, disastrous for the already declining biodiversity here. They cause significant nuisance not only in our country, but also in numerous other places around the world, each with its own unique problem. Diseases, damage to buildings, dikes, or waterways, as well as economic losses, are the result.
Frans will discuss the causes and consequences, giving various examples, such as Japanese knotweed and the sunfish. "Streams are becoming overgrown, other plants have no chance to grow because they don't get any light, and biodiversity is declining rapidly. We don't want this," says Frans. Moreover, nature is already suffering due to climate change. In recent years, the forests and heathland have been plagued by severe drought, causing the groundwater level to drop significantly.
Frans Kapteijns was a media ranger with Natuurmonumenten from 2003 to 2016. Since his retirement in 2016, he has been a volunteer ranger, leading nature walks and excursions and giving lectures. He was awarded a medal in 2009.
More information can be found on the IVN website and the IVN Laarbeek Facebook page.