Active Protection Integrated Tender

Start Date 01012019End Date 31122027Total Budget 19087522 EU Contribution 11452513 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONBACKGROUNDThe Natura 2000 network sites in the Portuguese Autonomous Region of Azores account for a total area of 804 km2 427 km2 terrestrial and 377 km2 marine. A series of constraints have been identified during the implementation of the Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 PAF at the regional scale which have prevented the accomplishment of the proposed goals. Most of the identified gaps and shortcomings are related to a lack of knowledge or information for some species and habitat types and a lack of human and material resources to undertake concrete conservation actions.OBJECTIVESThe main objective of LIFE-IP AZORES NATURA is to establish the basis for implementing the Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 PAF proposed for the Azores Autonomous Region of Portugal. Specific objectives are toimplement actions to improve the conservation status of 24 species and 13 habitat types protected under the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directiveconduct habitat improvements foreseen in the Action Plan for the Azores bullfinch Pyrrhula murina to secure its conservation statuspromote controleradication actions targeting invasive alien species IASfill knowledge gaps on distribution conservation status and threats for specific species and habitatsexecute ex-situ conservation actions particularly the collection and conservation of seeds from 80 of the endemic plant species of the Azoresreinforce the capability for Natura 2000 surveillance and managementincrease knowledge and skills of employees working in Natura 2000 sitesdevelop a GIS database for Natura 2000 managementraise awareness among the local population and relevant stakeholders on the conservation value of Natura 2000 and its potential as an instrument for sustainable rural development.To ensure a wider transnational uptake of results for problems that are of concern throughout Macaronesia actions are also proposed forLa Palma Canary Islands Spain. Expected resultscost-effective achievement of conservation targets as evidenced in future reporting for the Birds Directive and Habitats Directiveincreased populations of 12 target flora species by 25 and their conservation status reassessed from unfavourable U1U2 to favourable FVincreased areas of four target habitat types by at least 204 ha with conservation status reassessed from U1U2 to FVincreased area of two priority habitat types coastal lagoons and Mediterranean salt meadows in good conservation status by 40 creation of 124 ha of ecological corridors to secure conservation status of 9 protected habitatsimproved habitats over 24 ha for 7 seabird species and 120 ha for Pyrrhula murinaeradication of plant IAS and reduction or eradication of wild rabbits and ratsincrease of publicly-owned land within Natura 2