- Action A.1: Current state of the problem targeted
- Action A.2: Analysis of climatic & environmental parameters influencing the invasive mosquitoes introduction & establishment
- Action A.3: Socio-economic impacts of the problem targeted
The 1st phase of the proposed actions includes the identification of the current situation (stakeholder’s engagement and results obtained from a network of ovitraps) of the IMS problem. In addition, the environmental parameters that affect the establishment IMS in European territories will be assessed and these results will lead to the identification, listing and geo-reference of areas (in Greece and Italy) identified to be at high/medium/low risk of introduction and establishment of IMS. Finally, the current situation of the IMS problem will be assessed in terms of socioeconomic impacts with the use of a socioeconomic impact analysis and stakeholders engagement.]
- Action B.1: Design and development of the prototype invasive mosquitoes monitoring (surveillance) devices
- Action B.2: Pilot implementation of the surveillance plan
- Action B.3: Development and production of biodegradable substances to control invasive mosquitoes
- Action B.4: Climatic & environmental future data projection
- Action B.5: Design of management plans to control IMS
- Action B.6: Pilot implementation of management plans to control IMS
- Action B.7: Development of integrated management plans to control IMS
The second phase of the project includes the implementation actions. In parallel to the preparatory phase, a novel monitoring device (prototype) will be developed, optimized and pilot implemented at selected high risk areas in Greece and Italy.
After the surveillance, the next step is the control and management. This step includes the implementation of all necessary actions for containing and reducing the spread of IMS populations to minimize their harmful impacts. Additional research and information exchange; new detection and elimination methods; determination of relevant climatic and environmental data in order to estimate the impact of climatic change will make available, innovative IMS control methodologies and the collaborative models are increasing our capacity to address IMS problems (partnership between Greece-Italy particularly useful for other Mediterranean countries). The development of integrated management plans to control IMS will be an ultimate deliverable.
- Action C.1: Monitoring of the performance of the pilot implementations
- Action C.2: Assessment of the environmental impacts of the management plans
- Action C.3: Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the management plans
The above mentioned pilot implementations will be monitored during phase 3, for the efficiency of their performance. In addition, their environmental performance and a socioeconomic analysis for the estimation of benefits from the implementation of the proposed management plans, will take place.
- Action D.1: Creation of project’s logo
- Action D.2: Development, launching and maintenance of project’s website
- Action D.3: Dissemination of project’s progress and results
- Action D.4: Development of project’s notice boards
- Action D.5: Development of Layman’s Report
Awareness and dissemination of the project results to the stakeholders, the scientific community and the include presentation of the CONOPS project via:
- Publications
- Press releases and interviews
- Design, development and distribution of leaflets
- Design, development and distribution of posters
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Open communication with social groups and expert scientists
- Action E.1: Project management by BPI
- Action E.2: Monitoring of project progress
- Action E.3: Networking activities with other relevant EU projects
- Action E.4: Development of project’s After-LIFE Communication Plan
- Action E.5: Monitoring of project’s Carbon footprint
- Action E.6: Audit of project’s financials
The internal monitoring of the project is carried out by the coordinator of LIFE CONOPS. The monitoring of project progress is carried out by a Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Committee who monitors and controls the various activities in order to ensure the best performance and the homogeneity of the methods and actions applied. In addition, an independent external auditor is nominated to verify the financial statements provided to the Commission. Carbon footprint of the project is also monitored by the Carbon Footprint Committee, during the whole project implementation. Networking activities with other relevant EU projects, with the aim to exchange scientific knowledge, information, data and experiences, and After-LIFE communication Plan are considered crucial for the successful communication and dissemination of the project to all EU member states after the its conclusion.
The expected results from the CONOPS project implementation are:
- A network of 12 prototype devices for the monitoring (surveillance) of the IMS population in selected areas of Greece and Italy
- The development of integrated management plans for the confrontation of the IMS problem both in current period and in the future, based on climatic and environmental projections.