Tasks and Progress

To achieve the desired results, we have decided that it is necessary to characterise the baseline situation of the dunes, both in biological and socio-ecological terms. We will therefore carry out a detailed mapping of the habitat at national level, define its conservation status and survey the local population on their perception and valuation of the target habitat. In addition, we want to find out in detail about the installation capacity of the dune juniper species. Only once these tasks have been completed will we be able to guarantee an effective plan for the intervention work, both in the medium and long term.

To sustain the restoration of the dunes and neighbouring habitats, we will collect seeds and cuttings of the characteristic species, and others that are important for local biodiversity, to produce the plants needed for the plantations. Meanwhile, during this process we will draw up (and publicise) germination protocols for the propagated species so that other people can do the same. It should be noted that some of the target species for propagation are rare, which little or nothing is known about them, and which have never been multiplied in nurseries.

We know that one of the biggest problems associated with nature conservation is invasive alien species, fire and climate change, and dune habitats are no exception. That's why we're going to control the ice plants and the various species of acacia (because eradicating them is almost impossible) that are degrading these habitats. We will also take action to control natural dynamics by selectively cutting down trees and shrubs that are conditioning the dune habitats, in order to reduce the risk of fire, promote resilience and create space for new plants to establish themselves. Once these tasks have been completed, we will proceed with planting in the autumn to favour their survival. At the same time, we will place various types of shelters for wildlife to promote the ecological functioning of the habitat. All these tasks will take place not only in the effective areas of the coastal dune juniper shrubland (72ha) and potential areas for the habitat (102ha) but also in the areas of contiguous habitats (47ha).

To monitor the development of the project and study the best restoration techniques for these dune habitats, we have defined tasks that will help us monitor the interventions in particular, and the implementation of the project in general. We will therefore install around 45 transects to, year after year, study the variation in vegetation structure in the intervened areas and to monitor the success of the plantations. In addition to this fieldwork, we will also study the efficiency of remote sensing as a monitoring tool. We will also monitor the impact of the interventions on wildlife and the involvement of the local population in the project. We hope that in the end we will be able to define the most efficient monitoring protocol possible that can be exported to other projects and/or other territorial areas.

Publicising the project to a wide range of audiences is an ambitious mission, but one that is fundamental to the sustainability of coastal dune juniper shrubland management and conservation. Only by sharing information it is possible to develop the environmental perception of civil society and the most varied actors about the importance of these dune habitats specifically, as well as to stimulate awareness of nature conservation in general. For this reason, we have defined several tasks. Some are aimed at publicity, such as the creation of a website, social networks, information panels, brochures, news items and other publicity materials. Others are more specific to each target audience, such as the educational community, the territory's main managers and decision-makers, the local population, the scientific community, among others.

Finally, ensuring the sustainability, replication and transfer of the knowledge acquired during the project is just as important as any of the previous work packages. For this reason, we have defined tasks that involve identifying possible financial backers and putting them in touch with landowners who have areas of actual or potential habitat that are interested in conserving dune junipers. At the same time, we will create and make available, in English, an online platform where it can be accessed information on this habitat management and conservation techniques tested during the project, so that they can be used on a European scale. We've also thought about ensuring integrated and sustainable planning for coastal dune juniper shrublands in Portugal, which is why we're going to create a Habitat National Action Plan.