PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Landscape transformation processes – such as changes in use, presence of invasive alien species, public use activities, intensification of agricultural and livestock activity, loss of traditional and low-intensity land use, climate change – and phytosanitary problems (Alnus glutinosa(alder) diseases) represent major threats to habitats. Within the target area of the LIFE FLUVIAL project, several specific threats to the conservation of the river corridors have been identified. Hazards have led to the deterioration and fragmentation of the river corridor habitats, both in the upper and middle basin and in the sections of the river mouth. Such threats are common to all the Natura 2000 network project sites.
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the LIFE FLUVIAL project was to improve the conservation status of Atlantic River corridors in the Natura 2000 network. The project developed a transnational strategy for sustainable management of river corridors habitats in several Atlantic River basins of the Iberian Peninsula. The project also facilitated transnational cooperation to mitigate and correct the negative impacts of the threats such delicate habitats are facing. These threats particularly affect the quality and continuity of riparian and alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior, a priority habitat listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive and the main habitat targeted by the project. The project particularly focused on developing transnational strategies to prevent the spread of threats to other EU territories. Another habitat targeted by the project was the Mediterranean deciduous forest (Galician-Portuguese oak woods with Quercus Robur and Quercus Pyrenaica), which provided continuity with the riparian and alluvial forests.
RESULTS
On the whole, the project has achieved successful results and reached its main objectives. The conservation status of 78.4 ha of habitat 91E0* (more than the 51.1 ha planned) and 6.1 ha of habitat type 9230 (more than the 4.4 ha planned at the start of the project) has been improved, while the area of IAS eliminated amounts to 69.4 ha (almost doubling the 35.3 ha planned).
Dissemination and awareness raising at local and regional levels carried out by the project team was excellent, with numerous dissemination activities aimed at different audiences, workshops addressed at to stakeholders, etc.
The project has established 'RED Fluvial' (https://www.lifefluvial.eu/en/rivers-network-2/), a network with other European projects (LIFE or not), organizations with experience in the management of river corridors, national and international environmental organizations and organizations, allowing the exchange of experiences with other European initiatives.
A manual of good practices was also created to transfer the lessons learnt for the preparation and execution of restoration projects for Iberian Atlantic fluvial corridors.
