📋 Tender Overview
Start Date: 01/09/2021
End Date: 31/12/2026
Total Budget: 5,274,922 €
EU Contribution: 3,956,056 €
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Atlantic islands are considered as one of the most biodiverse areas in the EU. The ecosystems in these islands share common environmental problems, particularly considering the dunes are among the most endangered habitats. According to the Habitat Directive´s Article 17 sexennial report 2013-2018, some of the main threats identified for habitat types 2130* (Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation grey dunes ) and 4030 (European dry heaths) in the project area relate to the existence of senescent forest plantations and tree encroachment, the spreading of invasive alien species, the impact of recreational/tourism activities, and climate change.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the LIFE INSULAR project is to implement a transnational strategy for an integrated restoration of the priority habitat type 2130* ( grey dunes ) and the habitat 4030 (European dry heath) in five Atlantic Ocean islands spread across the Atlantic and Macaronesian biogeographical regions, promoting their favourable conservation status and increasing their resilience to climate change.
To achieve this, the project aims to:
Increase the area covered by the habitat types 2130* and 4030 by eliminating old forest plantations and subsequently restoring the areas with plant species characteristic of these habitat types;
Improve the conservation status (structure and functions) of habitat types 2130* and 4030 through the elimination of old forest plantations, encroaching trees and the control of invasive alien species;
Improve the future prospects of habitat types 2130* and 4030 by means of the improvement of the knowledge base and the implementation of protection measures against anthropogenic pressures;
Raise awareness about the relevance, natural values and ecosystem services provided by these habitat types;
Transfer the project experience at EU level.
The project contributes to the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
KEYWORDS
dune
heathland
restoration
invasive species
protected area management
