PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
In the Almadenes and Cañaveros nature reserves of Murcia, biodiversity is seriously threatened by invasive alien species (IAS): Opuntia maxima, Washingtonia filifera, Eucaliptus camadulensis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Phoenix canariensis , Arundo donax among others. These IAS have colonised original habitats and pose a threat to riparian species. The problem of invasive species is compounded by pollution, direct land clearing for farming and a high incidence of fires. Urgent action is needed to restore original habitats and maintain biodiversity. The project area covers 550 ha of the Segura river basin.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the LIFE RIPISILVANATURA project was to recover and protect the riparian forest, mainly those areas dominated by willows and poplar (habitat 92A0) and associated habitats in the high stretches of the Segura river basin in Murcia (surrounding the municipalities of Moratalla, Calasparra and Cieza).
To achieve this aim, the project planned to:
- Create green infrastructure among the two natural riparian reserves of the region;
- Increase the area of riparian forest habitat in the project area and protect relevant flora and fauna species;
- Eliminate IAS;
- Create a land custody network for the Vega Alta;
- Use the latest technology to monitor IAS and detect forest fires;
- Publish a guide on how to eradicate IAS from streams in the region of Murcia; and
- Raise public awareness.
RESULTS
The LIFE RIPISILVANATURA project contributed to the recovery and protection of the river Segura's riparian forests. This main objective was achieved by applyingdemonstrative techniques to fight against invasive alien species, namely giant reed (Arundo donax). The tested techniques included the plantation of native species after an initial trimming, and then repeated trimming of the plant species for more than two years. The aim of these repetitions was to weaken the plant’scapacity to quickly re-sprout after trimming, and moreover to provide sufficient time for reintroduced native species to grow and to compete with the reed.
The technique was proved to be more cost efficient than other management options (eg taking no action against the giant reed, which is more environmentally costly and leads to greater damage in the event of flash floods) and other techniques for combating the reed species.
The project team implemented treatments in 39 plots with a total area of 10.69 ha. The equivalent total area considering the whole of the treatments undertaken reached 101 ha. A total of 14 793 new individuals were planted in 52 plots covering a total area of 119 250 m2. Furthermore, the team established a successful Ripisilva-Segura’ land stewardship network for preserving the habitat 92A0 biodiversity based on 16 private agreements and four public agreements, as well as six verbal agreements. Almost 1 000 ha were included in the agreements.
Other achievements of the project included:
- Establishment of a RIPISILVANATURA 2.0 web server.
- Creation of a multi-platform RIPI_NATURA mobile app.
- Arboreal and non-arboreal IAS control, by means of ecological engineering strategies.
- Native riparian habitats restoration, through the natural succession stages.
- Creation of leisure areas, ecotourism routes and camouflages bird observatories, along with the installation of ecological and integrated information boards
- Drawing up of an awareness and dissemination plan for Cieza and Calasparra schools.
- Holding of an international seminar on Habitat 92A0 and an international seminar on riparian IAS.
- Production of an awareness program on IAS-related problems and an IAS elimination manual.
- 14. Volunteer work program to support all project stages.
The riverbank restoration actions carried out within the project led to a short-term improvement (after three years of initial actions) of the ecological status of the riverbanks and the river, and a significant decrease in the height, density and coverage of the targeted invasive species.
These actions are recommended in sections of rivers not completely invaded by A. donax and containing threatened species and protected habitats. The project’s approach could also be successfully applied to riparian areas dominated by monospecific stands of A. donax, such as plastic blanket covering.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
