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15.3.4 - BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY POLICY ON THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON CAMPUS
Policy Title: Policy on the Prevention and Management of Invasive Alien Species on Campus
Institution: Bahçeşehir University (BAU)
Policy Owner: Rectorate
Policy Date: 2025
Scope: University-wide
1. Purpose
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) recognizes the introduction and spread of invasive alien species as a potential threat to local biodiversity, native vegetation, natural habitats and ecosystem functioning.
The purpose of this policy is to establish an institutional framework for preventing the introduction, minimizing the spread and reducing the ecological impacts of invasive alien species across University campuses and other University-managed land and green spaces.
Through responsible landscape planning, species selection, monitoring and appropriate management measures, the University aims to protect native biodiversity and maintain environmentally sustainable campus ecosystems.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all campuses, facilities and outdoor environments owned, operated or managed by Bahçeşehir University, including:
Campus gardens, landscaped areas and green spaces.
Existing woodland, natural vegetation and tree-covered areas.
Agricultural land, orchards and outdoor learning environments.
Recreational areas, courtyards and outdoor communal spaces.
New construction, campus expansion and landscape development projects.
Planting, vegetation maintenance and grounds management activities.
The policy applies to relevant University administrative and operational units, academic departments, landscape contractors, suppliers and other parties responsible for the introduction, maintenance or management of plants and other organisms on University-managed sites.
This policy also applies to agricultural, hospitality, recreational and other facilities operated or managed by the University or its affiliated entities, where applicable.
3. Definitions
3.1. Alien Species: A species, subspecies or lower taxon introduced outside its natural past or present distribution, including any part, gametes, seeds, eggs or propagules of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce.
3.2. Invasive Alien Species: An alien species whose introduction or spread threatens biological diversity or causes adverse ecological impacts.
3.3. Native Species: A species occurring naturally within a particular geographic region or ecosystem.
3.4. Introduction: The movement or release of a species beyond its natural distribution, whether deliberate or accidental.
3.5. Ecological Management: Measures undertaken to prevent, monitor, control or mitigate environmental impacts while protecting native species and habitats.
The University recognizes that not all alien species are invasive. Introduced species are assessed according to their ecological characteristics, documented risks and potential effects on local biodiversity. Prevention and management priorities focus on species that are invasive or present a credible risk of becoming invasive.
4. Fundamental Principles
The University's approach to reducing the impact of invasive alien species is guided by the following principles:
4.1. Prevention First
Preventing the introduction of potentially invasive species takes priority over corrective measures after establishment.
4.2. Native Biodiversity Protection
The conservation of native plant communities and natural habitats is a central consideration in campus landscape management.
4.3. Responsible Species Selection
New planting and landscaping decisions take account of the ecological suitability and potential invasiveness of introduced species.
4.4. Early Identification and Response
Early identification and assessment of potentially invasive species support timely action to reduce the risk of establishment and spread.
4.5. Environmentally Responsible Management
Control measures are selected and implemented to minimize unintended harm to native species, soil, water and other components of the surrounding ecosystem.
4.6. Continuous Improvement
Management practices are reviewed and updated in response to relevant scientific information, environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.
5. Prevention of Invasive Alien Species Introduction
Bahçeşehir University prioritizes the prevention of intentional or accidental introductions of invasive alien species through its campus operations, landscape planning and development activities.
Preventive measures include, where applicable:
Avoiding the deliberate planting or introduction of species identified as invasive or presenting significant ecological risks.
Reviewing the suitability of plant species proposed for new landscaping and campus development projects.
Giving preference to native or ecologically appropriate non-invasive plant species.
Considering potential ecological risks associated with imported plants, seeds, soil and other landscaping materials.
Encouraging responsible procurement from suppliers capable of providing appropriate information on plant identity and origin.
Avoiding the unauthorized release of non-native animals or other organisms into campus environments.
These measures aim to reduce the likelihood of invasive species becoming established within University-managed environments.
6. Native Plant Preference and Biodiversity-Sensitive Landscaping
The University promotes landscaping approaches that protect existing native vegetation and reduce reliance on potentially invasive ornamental or introduced plant species.
Relevant landscape planning and maintenance activities prioritize:
Preservation of existing native trees, shrubs and ground vegetation.
Selection of locally appropriate native plants for new landscaping.
Retention of established natural vegetation wherever feasible.
Avoidance of species known to spread aggressively into surrounding habitats.
Maintenance of diverse and ecologically appropriate plant communities.
Consideration of local ecological conditions, including soil, climate and surrounding habitats, when selecting new plants.
Where replacement planting is necessary, preference is given to species that support local ecological conditions without creating additional risks of biological invasion.
7. Identification, Monitoring and Risk Assessment
Relevant University units are responsible for assessing the presence and potential impacts of invasive alien species as part of campus grounds management and environmental monitoring.
Monitoring and assessment activities may include:
Identifying potentially invasive plants or other organisms within University-managed green spaces.
Reviewing relevant national and regional information on invasive alien species.
Assessing the potential for identified species to spread into surrounding vegetation or natural habitats.
Considering potential impacts on native plants, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Documenting significant observations and determining whether management action is required.
Monitoring activities are proportionate to the environmental characteristics, size and ecological sensitivity of each campus or managed site.
8. Control and Management of Invasive Alien Species
Where invasive alien species are identified and assessed as posing a risk to local biodiversity, the responsible units determine and implement proportionate measures to prevent further spread and reduce ecological impacts. Follow-up monitoring assesses the effectiveness of these measures and informs any additional action required.
Depending on the species and circumstances, management measures may include:
Preventing further planting, propagation or distribution of the identified species.
Removing invasive plants through suitable manual or mechanical methods.
Managing affected vegetation to limit further spread.
Restoring affected areas using suitable native or non-invasive species.
Applying appropriate measures to prevent the dispersal of seeds, plant fragments or contaminated soil.
Seeking specialist advice where identification or management requires additional ecological expertise.
The selection of control measures takes account of effectiveness, environmental safety, legal requirements and potential effects on non-target species.
Chemical control methods are subject to careful assessment where their use is necessary and legally permitted, with particular attention to minimizing risks to human health, native biodiversity, soil and water quality.
9. Management During Construction and Landscape Development
Campus construction, renovation and landscape development planning includes consideration of the potential introduction or spread of invasive alien species.
Relevant precautions may include:
Reviewing proposed planting schemes for potentially invasive species.
Avoiding the unnecessary movement of soil or vegetation containing invasive plant material.
Considering the potential spread of seeds or plant fragments during excavation and site clearance.
Protecting existing native vegetation during development.
Using suitable non-invasive species in post-construction landscaping and restoration.
Ensuring that relevant contractors are informed of applicable environmental and vegetation management requirements.
These considerations form part of project planning and implementation according to the environmental characteristics of each site.
10. Awareness, Education and Institutional Participation
Bahçeşehir University recognizes the importance of environmental awareness in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
The University promotes the integration of relevant biodiversity conservation principles into educational activities, sustainability initiatives and campus environmental awareness efforts.
Where appropriate, awareness activities may address:
The distinction between native, alien and invasive alien species.
Ecological risks associated with invasive species.
The importance of protecting local plant communities and habitats.
Responsible planting and landscape management.
The role of students, staff and campus service providers in identifying and reporting potentially invasive species.
Academic expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration may contribute to the development and improvement of institutional practices.
11. Institutional Responsibilities
Relevant University administrative, technical and operational units are responsible for incorporating this policy into campus landscaping, vegetation management, procurement and development activities within their respective areas of responsibility.
Units responsible for grounds maintenance and landscape management assess invasive alien species risks when selecting plants, maintaining green spaces and planning vegetation interventions.
Responsible University units communicate applicable requirements concerning invasive species prevention and environmentally responsible landscaping to contractors and suppliers undertaking relevant activities on behalf of the University.
12. Documentation, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
The University promotes the documentation of relevant measures undertaken to prevent or reduce the impact of invasive alien species.
Supporting documentation may include:
Landscape plans and plant selection records.
Inventories or observations of native and potentially invasive plant species.
Photographs of preserved native vegetation and relevant landscape management practices.
Records of invasive species identification, removal or control activities.
Documentation of native planting and ecological restoration measures.
Relevant staff guidance and environmental awareness materials.
Such information supports periodic assessment of implementation and informs improvements in campus biodiversity management.
13. Legal and International Framework
This policy is guided by internationally recognized biodiversity conservation principles, including:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Article 8(h): Prevention, control and eradication of alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.
Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Target 6: Reducing the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species and minimizing their impacts on biodiversity.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15, Target 15.8: Introducing measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems.
Implementation of this policy is subject to applicable Turkish environmental, biodiversity, plant health and related legislation.
14. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed at least every two years, or earlier where necessary, to reflect developments in scientific knowledge, environmental legislation, campus management practices and institutional sustainability priorities.
Bahçeşehir University is committed to reducing the ecological risks associated with invasive alien species and promoting campus environments that support the conservation of native biodiversity, healthy ecosystems and sustainable land management.
