PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The whole island of Menorca is a Biosphere Reserve. However, areas with Habitats Directive priority habitats and species were previously subject to several attempts at urbanisation, which resulted in the construction of infrastructure such as roads or sports areas. These have subsequently been abandoned to uncontrolled public use. As a consequence, some habitats of interest have been reduced in size and degradation is having a negative impact on threatened endemic species.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Reneix project was to restore degraded habitats in four areas on Menorca with high ecological and biodiversity value. These SCI and SPA areas contained priority species of the Menorcan flora listed in the Habitats Directive, as well as some of the most important clusters of endemics and plant diversity on the island. The main objectives were updating information on the status of threatened flora, removing road access and abandoned infrastructure, restoring traditional stone walls, fencing sensitive areas, and raising awareness among the local population concerning protected habitats and species. The overall goal was to contribute to the implementation and consolidation of the island’s Nature 2000 network, and therefore to ensure the long-term conservation of biodiversity.
RESULTS
The Reneix project restored four areas of the island of Menorca, containing around 20 target habitats protected by the Habitats Directive, which have been subject to degradation caused by human activities ('Binimel.là', 'Es Murtar', 'Pas d'en Revull' and 'Ets Alocs-Al Pilar'). Preparatory actions enabled a precise characterisation of these areas in terms of flora, topography, public use and hydrology. This information was used to draft suitable restoration plans. This set of preparatory actions included all the necessary administrative steps needed (e.g. agreements and authorisations), scientific preliminaries and the selection of target species, and work with local communities. Concrete conservation actions involving restoration work and public use regulation were successfully completed in all four project areas. The most ambitious restoration was at Binimel.là, which involved major reconstruction of ecosystem functionality. Public areas were completely redesigned at each project site to protect targeted habitats and species. For instance, uncontrolled access roads and paths were closed, stone walls were constructed or restored, traditional gates and styles were reinstated, temporary fencing was erected, new signposting was installed, bridges were constructed, and a football field was dismantled. This was the first initiative on the island of Menorca where such comprehensive environmental restoration has been achieved. The range of endemic and threatened plant species targeted by the project included four endemics of community interest, the thorny shrubs Anthyllis hystrix and Femeniasia balearica, the vetch-like Vicia bifoliolata and the perennial herb Paeonia cambessedesii. The latter two are also priority species of the Habitats Directive. As part of the restoration actions, a culture method was developed for Femeniasia balearica. A new species was also discovered: Polycarpon dunense. Populations of Femeniasia balearica and Vicia bifoliolata were increased at two sites ('Binimel.là' and 'Es Murtar', respectively), while a range of endemics species were promoted through the sowing of seed and re-vegetation. Overall, the project represented a significant step forward to a better knowledge and management of all the habitats and species targeted on the island of Menorca. The project adopted a participatory approach, involving all relevant stakeholders in conservation activities, for example, through workshops aimed at showing how local people can contribute to the project’s objectives. There was a particularly noteworthy volunteer involvement. Awareness-raising activities ensured the project was well-known and valued within Menorcan society. The information materials designed, including botanical itineraries and a ‘Flora of Menorca’ book, and the botanic routes created in visitor areas have greatly enhanced the public’s knowledge of the plants of Menorca and the awareness of the island’s botanical 'treasures'. Public use of project areas has been greatly enhanced, with visitors showing more respect to the island’s habitats and the endemic species they support. Through enhancing the environmental value of Menorca, the project has contributed to a more sustainable tourism on the island. As a consequence of this and two previous LIFE projects, Flora Menorca (LIFE00 NAT/ES/007355) and BASSES (LIFE05 NAT/ES/000058), Menorca has become a reference for flora conservation in the European context. To this end, the project has promoted networking and successfully disseminated its findings within the scientific community. The project showcased successful restoration techniques with traditional methods. It also provided a good demonstration of a comprehensive sustainable management strategy for tourist sites with an environmental perspective. The After LIFE communication plan includes a programme for the continued maintenance and monitoring of restored areas and a continuation of awareness raising activities, for example, via the website (http://lifereneix.cime.es).
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
