By the end of project, the following expected results have been achieved:
- eradication of the invasive alien species Ailanthus altissima from the environments of the Alta Murgia National Park (68,077 hectares);
- improvement in the conservation status of valuable natural ecosystems and habitats, with especial regard for priority flora and fauna species, by eradicating the Park’s most invasive alien species;
- an effective, innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for the eradication and control of ailanthus and other woody invasive alien species, while increasing the efficacy (and minimizing the use) of herbicides by using low-volume stem-application techniques;
- protection of the environment and health from the risks and negative impacts caused by exposure to herbicides;
- reduction in the negative impact and risk of diffusion of the most threatening invasive alien species;
- a Park infestation map;
- increase in awareness and knowledge among the general public and stakeholders through a website showing project contents, objectives, events and issues, seminars on specific project-related themes, information brochures, information panels, congress activity, scientific publications, field training days, booklets, final layman’s report;
- dissemination of the results;
- dissemination of issues such as biodiversity conservation, invasive alien plant species and sustainable weed management;
- communication through the media using written press, video and TV releases.