PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Spanish citizens are unaware that 80% of large trees and mature forests are being lost and the consequences that this has for biodiversity. They play an invaluable role in the preservation of numerous species of birds, plants, fungi and insects. These ‘survivors’ are also relevant genetic reservoirs that can contribute to the study of climate change whilst enhancing Spain's biodiversity. Their loss should be halted immediately. The Spanish Law 47/2007 of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity has declared some of these trees as Natural Monuments (most of which are included in regional catalogues). Despite this, old trees and forests do not have adequate legal protection either nationally or internationally.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of the 'BIGTREES4LIFE' project was to improve the conservation of large trees and mature forests in the Spanish Natura 2000 network and the Spanish Network of Natural Protected Areas. This included 1 040 municipalities with an overall population of some 17 million (38% of the total Spanish population); thus the target population was nearly 20 million citizens (50% of the total population of Spain). Actions foreseen included a series of communications and information activities aimed at increasing awareness levels among the Spanish population of the importance of these trees as havens of biodiversity, witnesses of climate change, creators of landscape, motors for sustainable development of rural economies and symbols of environmental education. A 'European Network for Knowledge Exchange on Big Trees and Mature Forests and their Protection' was also foreseen to improve communication and information exchange at EU level. In addition, the project aimed to highlight the risks these trees and forests are facing (genetic erosion, indiscriminate logging, vandalism, forest fires, urban sprawl, agricultural transformation, diseases, atmospheric agents, transplants etc.) and thus the need to put in place effective legal measures and sustainable management to ensure their protection.
RESULTS
The project helped improve the conservation of big trees and mature forests in Natura 2000 sites in Spain, as well as in the country’s own network of protected areas (Red de Espacios Naturales Protegidos).
It carried out a series of communication campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of these trees as havens of biodiversity, witnesses of climate change, creators of landscape, motors for sustainable development of rural economies and symbols of environmental education. The team highlighted the risks trees and forests are facing, such as indiscriminate logging, vandalism, forest fires, urban sprawl, agricultural transformation, diseases, atmospheric agents and transplants. The project made the case for adopting effective legal measures to ensure the protection of important sites.
A key outcome of the project was the establishment of a network of 263 contacts that included 164 institutions. This network helped catalogue the big trees (1 166 in total) and the mature forests needing protection. It also contributed to the success of the travelling exhibition that visited every region in Spain, including the islands and Catalonia. The project team also produced three documentaries (and other additional audio-visuals) that were broadcast on TV, while the four technical reports produced were featured in magazines such as GEO and Muy Interesante. Moreover, two smartphone Apps were developed that allow users to locate old trees and mature forests.
Additionally, the beneficiary carried out six informative sessions and hosted two media seminars to disseminate the scientific and technical knowledge gathered by the project. Teaching materials were also produced and made available on the website, although this site is no longer active. Furthermore, the project did not adequately assess the impact of its communication actions or their international reach. Nevertheless, the project can be considered to have contributed to the implementation of the 2020 EU strategy on biodiversity.
