Zimbral for Life — A preservar os Zimbrais Dunares na costa portuguesa

Catarina Meireles

General project coordinator

Scientific researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora) and Guest professor in Biology, and Landscape and Environment Departments of UÉvora, teaches several subjects including: ‘Management and Conservation of Mediterranean Vegetation’, ‘Vegetation Sampling Methods’, ‘Fundamentals of Environmental Restoration’, ‘Fundamentals of Conservation and Ecological Systems’ and ‘Fundamentals of Environmental and Impact Assessment’. Since 1999, has a degree in Biology (UÉvora, Portugal) and since 2010, a PhD in Environmental Chemistry and Biology (Geobotany) (University of Jaén, Spain). Specialist in natural values of Community interest (detection, assessment, and management), biogeography, GIS, modelling, and data analysis, since 1999 working in habitat conservation and management, mapping, and restoration. In 2007 and 2019 conduct, respectively, the first and third assessments of the conservation status and trend of the habitat types listed in the Habitats Directive for Portugal (under Article 17 of the report). From 2016 to 2020 was part of the project ‘Lista Vermelha de Plantas Vasculares em Portugal Continental’. Join various management and restoration projects, including Protected Area Management Plans and Natura 2000 Network Management Plans, as well as three LIFE Nature and Biodiversity projects. Also is representing the Portuguese academy in the 'Workshops on Harmonisation of Procedures for Monitoring, Evaluation and Conservation of Habitat Types of Community Interest - Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process for the Mediterranean Region', funded by the European Commission.

Carlos Pinto Gomes

Project’s Scientific Coordinator

Associate Professor at UÉvora, since 1989 has been a Biophysical Engineer and since 1998 has a PhD in Environmental Sciences (Ecology), both completed at UÉvora (Portugal). Teaches several subjects in the areas of Ecology, Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment, and leads the first cycle of 'Ecology and Environment' at UÉvora. Specialist in Landscape Conservation and Management and one of the most important Portuguese scientific researchers in this field. Has coordinated several research teams and authored several hundred scientific publications, including more than 100 articles, 21 books and 53 book chapters. The professional career includes several leading positions in projects related to flora and vegetation management and the implementation of the Natura 2000 network in Portugal. From these, highlights the participation in the Natura 2000 Network monitoring reports in Portugal, co-coordination of the ‘Lista Vermelha da Flora Vascular Portuguesa’, as well as participation and coordination of various LIFE projects aimed at restoring and improving the conservation status and functioning of several classified habitats.

Anabela Belo

Assistant Professor at UÉvora, she is an Agricultural Engineer since 1993 and has a PhD in Biological Sciences since 2006, both from UÉvora (Portugal). Teaches various subjects in the areas of Botany and Vegetation Conservation and leads the Biology PhD Programme at UÉvora. Specialist in Vegetation Management and Conservation and works with natural and semi-natural systems. She is also responsible for managing the Seed Bank at the University of Évora Herbarium and works not only with ex-situ seed conservation, but also with soil seed banks. Has been part of several research teams and is the author and co-author of more than 100 different publications, including more than 30 articles and 10 books. Her professional career includes participation in LIFE projects targeted at restoring habitats, namely LIFE Charcos (restoration and protection of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds, priority habitat 3170*) and LIFE LINES (improving the conservation status of native floristic diversity along linear infrastructures). She has been a member of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and the International Network for Seed-Based Restoration (INSR) since 2019. Is also the author of several papers on Juniperus navicularis.

Carla Pinto Cruz

Associate professor at UÉvora, has a degree in Applied Plant Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and a master's degree in Biological Resource Management from the University of Évora. She has a PhD in Biology from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia of the Technical University of Lisbon and her thesis was about the vegetation and dynamics of the Temporary Ponds of south-west Alentejo. Since 1997, has been a docent in the Biology Department at the University of Évora (Portugal) and coordinator of an applied ecology and conservation research group at the MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora). She has been curator of the University of Évora herbarium since 2002 and is currently vice-president of the Associação Ibero-Macaronésia de Herbários (AHIM).

António Pedro Santos

He is an associate professor at UÉvora, has a degree in Zootechnical Engineering and a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Animal Ecology. Since 1990 has held scientific and pedagogical posts at the University of Évora, showing interest in both the functional processes and the structure of animal communities in Mediterranean ecosystems. Has focused his attention on the different levels at which biodiversity can be organised, focusing his analysis on the intraspecific level, the specific level, the community level and the landscape level. António is an integrated member of the MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora) and has participated as a scientific researcher and coordinator in more than twenty scientific research and experimental development projects.

José Rafael Silva

Full professor at UÉvora, he is an agronomist and researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora). Teaches several subjects, including Biosystems Engineering Design, Agriculture 4.0 and Geographic Information Technologies. In terms of training, has coordinated 5 PhDs, 19 master’s and 27 end-of-course dissertations. Participated in more than 30 research projects and coordinated half of them. Was the author and co-author of more than 100 articles, 60 of which have been published in international peer-reviewed journals. In recent years has invested much of his time in studying the carbon neutrality of agricultural activity, promoting CO2 / Biodiversity projects that generate CO2 equivalent credits that can be sold on the voluntary carbon market. He is also CTO/CSO at AgroInsider, an agrotech company and spinoff of the University of Évora.

Nuno Ribeiro

Associate Professor at the School of Science and Technology in the Department of Plant Science and Scientific Researcher at the Institute of Earth Sciences at UÉvora. He’s conducting research into growth and production modelling, especially in pure and mixed cork oak stands. Developed a spatial growth simulation model with tree-level resolution for cork oak stands (CORKFITS). Currently is developing an ecologically-based decision support system (ECCORK) to support sustainable management decisions for cork oak stands.

Luís Portugal Ferreira

Guest Research Assistant at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora), he holds a master's degree in Statistical Modelling and Data Analysis from UÉvora, where he developed his thesis on "The impact of anthropogenic pressures and bioclimatic conditions on dune juniper populations (2250*): species distribution models". Has a degree in Applied Plant Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. He has participated in various projects where he specialised in nature conservation and plant ecophysiology. Acquired experience in education as a certified trainer.

Pedro Salgueiro

Guest Assistant Researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora) since 2021 and has a PhD in Biology from UÉvora since 2020. Carries out research in the areas of Conservation Biology, Landscape Fragmentation and Connectivity, Ecological Restoration, and Community Ecology. His professional career over the last 5 years has been mainly focused on applied conservation projects that are based on measuring and reversing the impacts of habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation on species occurrence, community structure and ecological processes; with a focus on producing tools and approaches that empower stakeholders and policymakers to adopt sustainable practices.

Ana Sampaio

She has a degree in Terrestrial Environmental Biology and a master's degree in Conservation Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, with her dissertation focusing on the feeding ecology of turtle-dove, a critically endangered bird. Over the last five years, has dedicated her research to ecosystem services, with a special interest in the study of seed dispersal by frugivorous birds and pollination by insects, both in natural habitats and in environments degraded by human activities.

Cristina Louro

Graduated in Business Management from IPBeja in 2008, she has been a Senior Technician in the Project Management Division since 2018 and works in managing the financial execution of Program LIFE, Interreg POCTEP, Interreg ATLANTIC AREA, Horizon Europe projects, among others. As part of this project, she will manage the finances.

Diogo Sá

Research fellow in the Zimbral for LIFE project – preserving dune juniper forests. Master in Conservation Biology from the University of Évora (UÉ), where he developed his thesis – “Population study of Juniperus navicularis Gand.: Cartography, Biometry and Dendrochronology” – on an endemic and endangered juniper species. Graduated in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP). With a particular interest in the study of Portuguese habitats, flora and vegetation.

Cátia Catronga

Graduated and Master in Landscape Architecture from the University of Évora, where she developed her thesis - "Public open spaces in the city of Évora: opportunities and difficulties associated with the offer for the practice of physical activity - uses and perceptions". Where she based herself on the perceptions of the population to characterize the public space of the city of Évora, in relation to its use for the practice of physical activity. In recent years, she has directed her training and interests towards the area of environmental education, in which she has been specializing.

Cristina Baião

collaborator from Oct 2022 to Jul 2024

She is a guest scientific research assistant at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, UÉvora), holds a master’s degree in Conservation Biology from UÉvora (Portugal), where she developed her thesis on the Environmental Perception of Temporary Ponds on the Southwest Coast of Portugal. Graduated from the University of Bangor in 2008 with a degree in Marine Biology. She has been working in the field of social involvement in nature conservation projects since 2009 and is a certified trainer. Acquired an extensive professional experience as a senior technician at LPN - Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, as a beneficiary and coordinator of various LIFE projects, where she worked on communication, awareness-raising and environmental education, with special emphasis on the projects LIFE Charcos and LIFE Imperial. In 2019, started the investigation at UÉvora on ecosystem services and socio-ecological relationships as part of the LIFE-Relict project, as well as supporting the management of this project.

Nuno Carvalho

He has a degree in environmental engineering, a master's degree in spatial planning and environmental education from UTAD (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal) and a PhD in sociology and anthropology from Concordia University, Canada. Over the last twenty years has developed projects and research in the areas of nature conservation and land use planning. But always with a specific focus on education and science communication. Worked as a teacher and teacher trainer in science communication and active learning methods. Co-founder of three national nature conservation associations, he is now president of the RWSW. Currently manages the Quinta da Corema project in Aljezur, running educational activities for young people and the general population, through courses and workshops and other environmental awareness-raising activities. This project also aims to raise awareness of forest protection and make agricultural practices used in the region more compatible with existing and potential natural resources, promoting greater resilience in the region to the phenomenon of climate change.

Vanda Brás

With a degree in Management, she joined the ATNatureza team in 2020 as executive director, responsible for managing and coordinating projects and human resources, attracting funding, and organising events and activities.

Mário do Carmo

Has a degree in Biology from UÉvora and a PhD in Natural Resources Management and Conservation from the same university in partnership with the Instituto Superior de Agronomia. Specialist in bioacoustics (chiroptera) and responsible for various monitoring projects associated with the development of linear infrastructures or as part of biodiversity surveys. Since the beginning of his career, worked on Business & Biodiversity strategies with companies such as CTT, Navigator, Monte da Ravasqueira, Esporão SA, among others. As a consultant, he develops strategies for integrating Natural Capital into the various business areas and their economic valuation, as well as developing sustainability programmes, integrates the pioneering team of the Alentejo Wine Sustainability Programme (PSVA), responsible for drawing up the chapter on Sustainable Ecosystem Management, and is also part of the Alentejo Regional Wine Commission's (CVRA) pool of consultants to producers. With various municipalities and private organisations, he has worked on ecosystem management through the development of Action Plans, in a strategy of structuring and limiting Natural Capital in a logic of ecological and climatic risks, for more effective and functional land management. Recently, with Barreiro Town Council, he integrates the technical team for LIFE Biodiscoveries, which controls exotic species, and also collaborated in drawing up the Action Plan for the Sapal do Rio Coina Local Nature Reserve and the Mata Nacional da Machada.

Francisco María Vázquez

With a PhD in Biology, he has over thirty years' experience in the conservation and study of plant diversity in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and north-west Africa. Has participated in more than 35 research projects on the conservation and management of plant biodiversity in forestry and agricultural areas and has more than 350 scientific publications that appear in articles, conferences and books.

David García

Holds a Master's degree in Forestry Engineering and has participated in various research projects (at regional, national and international level) focused on the assessment of plant biodiversity, management and conservation of plant biodiversity, tracking and monitoring of endangered flora, invasive species, forest inventory, silviculture and archaeobotany.

Francisco Márquez García

With a PhD in Science, he has taken part in various research projects (at regional, national, and international level) focussing on the assessment of plant biodiversity, the management and conservation of plant biodiversity, the tracking and monitoring of endangered flora, invasive species, conservation biology, etc.

Duarte Silva

Floradata's Technical Director with a degree in Applied Biology since 2000 and a master's in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation. Has coordinated various projects, including the Management Plans for 33 Sites of Community Interest in Portugal, several atlas with mapping and flora and fauna inventory. He began his career in the Peneda Gerês National Park with conservation projects for threatened flora. Since then, has carried out several environmental monitoring projects in the area of flora, vegetation and habitats on roads, hydroelectric schemes and wind farms. Also, carried out several habitat mapping projects, including one with a Proposal for the Planning and Management of Natural Habitats. Was the ecology coordinator for studies such as the Caminha Espinho Coastal Zone Management Programme. Take part in two projects for the recovery/conservation of species and habitats. Occasionally, he has collaborated in the assessment of habitats and flora for the National Report on the Implementation of the Habitats Directive (art. 17) and flora for the ‘Lista Vermelha de Plantas Vasculares em Portugal Continental’.

Davide Fernandes

Executive Director of Floradata with a degree in Biology / Geology since 2002, a master's degree in Biology / Geology since 2005, he has been the coordinator of various projects, including the Management Plans for 33 Sites of Community Interest in Portugal. Began his career in an environmental consultancy company where he collaborated on various environmental impact studies and strategic environmental assessments. Took part in environmental impact studies in the preparation of environmental factors associated with flora and fauna, vegetation and habitats. Also, take part in environmental monitoring in the area of flora, vegetation and habitats on communication routes. Participated in habitat mapping work, including a proposal for the planning and management of natural habitats, and also in recovery/conservation actions for particularly threatened species and habitats (9380) in the Serra Amarela (Ponte da Barca). He was coordinator of the strategic environmental assessment of the Entre Douro e Minho Regional Forest Management Plan and the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Regional Forest Management Plan. Is a specialist in the environmental assessment of projects and programmes, with particular emphasis on aspects associated with ecology, nature conservation and sustainability.

Paulo Alves

Scientific director of the company Floradata, with an extensive background as a researcher at CIBIO/INBIO. With a degree in Biology, he carried out research in the fields of biodiversity and conservation, vegetation and landscape ecology, ecological monitoring, and biological invasions. Has extensive experience (over 20 years) in scientific studies, land management and planning projects (currently coordinator of the conservation team for various management plans for the ICNF), and environmental impact assessment studies for various types of development. Regularly contributes data on the taxonomy and chorology of vascular flora to various international projects, including Flora Ibérica and European Flora, and is (co-)author of more than seventy papers published as scientific articles in national and international peer-reviewed publications or book chapters, including various vegetation books, as well as being part of the Scientific Committee of the ‘Lista Vermelha da Flora Vascular de Portugal Continental’.

Estêvão Pereira

A senior technician at Floradata, with a degree in Geography since 2005 and a PhD in Geobotany, he is taking part in drawing up Management Plans for Sites of Community Interest in Portugal. Carried out a lot of flora inventory work, habitat mapping and flora and vegetation monitoring. Has also taken part in conservation work such as the LIFE+ project "LIFE TAXUS with a view to improving the conservation status of yew trees (habitat 9580). Has more than 15 scientific articles in international journals on flora and vegetation and a chapter in the book "Vegetação de Portugal" (Vegetation of Portugal), as well as having taken part in the ‘Lista Vermelha da Flora Vascular de Portugal Continental’.

André Padrão

A senior technician at Floradata, he graduated in Environmental Sciences and Technology in 2016 and has a master's degree in Ecology and Environment and is taking part in the preparation of 13 Management Plans for Sites of Community Interest in Portugal, but in the field of Geographic Information Systems. Has also carried out eight mapping jobs of flora, habitats and/or trees since working at Floradata.

The Team