The project aimed to share and disseminate European good practices for the management and control of Popillia japonica, to strengthen knowledge, awareness and early prevention capabilities among teachers and students in agricultural schools. By involving the education system in addressing a phytosanitary emergency, it intended to promote a more active role of young people in protecting agriculture, green spaces, ecosystems and local biodiversity. It also sought to raise public awareness of the environmental implications of invasive species and climate change, fostering responsible behaviour and a long-term commitment to sustainability goals. The overall objective was to maximise collective commitment to tackling this highly dangerous infestation affecting agriculture and the natural environment, by strengthening understanding and proactive actions for sustainable development. In the broader perspective, the project aimed to build cross-border cooperation among schools, experts and stakeholders in Italy and France, supporting the creation of a shared culture of prevention and resilience based on education, science and civic participation.
The “SOS Popillia” project was launched in response to the growing threat posed by Popillia japonica, a destructive alien beetle that is rapidly spreading across Europe. Accidentally introduced in 2014, it has since spread to various regions of the EU, including Northern Italy and parts of France, with serious impacts on agriculture, turf, ecosystems and biodiversity. Despite scientific advances, effective and sustainable containment strategies remain limited. A key gap was the lack of a broad communication strategy to promote early prevention and raise awareness not only among professionals but also among the general public and schools, particularly young people in agricultural education, on how to recognise and respond to the pest. The project aimed to address this gap by empowering teachers and students in agricultural schools as active players in early diagnosis and prevention. By combining scientific knowledge, environmental education and European cooperation, it intended to promote integrated responses to the phytosanitary and environmental emergency, while strengthening the role of the school system in local resilience and sustainable agriculture.