PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Among the invasive alien species (IAS) present in the Atlantic Arc, Cortaderia selloana is one of the most widespread. This species occupies a large area of natural habitats, and its dispersion across numerous territories is still ongoing. It is a highly aggressive IAS, with a strong invasive potential and strong distribution across the South European Atlantic geography, which affects both natural and anthropogenic habitats. Its invasive capacity is substantial, and its presence in various territories continues to grow year by year. Hence, a planned intervention is required.
IAS are considered the second leading cause of biodiversity loss in the world, second only to habitat destruction, and the presence of Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc is a clear example of this.
The project arises from the work carried out between October 2018 and September 2022 by the LIFE Stop Cortaderia project (LIFE17 NAT/ES/000495) and its technical findings. At the inception of LIFE Stop Cortaderia, the issue of Cortaderia in Cantabria was well-recognised. Nevertheless, after four years of dedicated effort, it has become evident that the challenge of Cortaderia extends throughout the entire Atlantic Arc, giving rise to concerns that transcend the realm of environmental conservation and extend into the social sphere. This concern has notably gained prominence, transcending from specialised to mainstream media outlets.
In summary, the methods for controlling Cortaderia are well-established, and there is a palpable societal commitment to addressing this issue. However, the extent of invasion and progress in combatting varies from one territory to another. As a result, a need arises for a project that offers a comprehensive, strategic perspective for the entire Atlantic Arc. This project also includes tailored control and eradication initiatives, customised to the unique invasion levels and prior efforts within each respective territory.
OBJECTIVES
The project’s general objective stands in the dynamisation of cooperation and coordinated action for the control and confinement of Cortaderia selloana (CS) in the Atlantic Arc, as per the initial situation in each of the working territories (Central Portugal, Northern Portugal, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, and Nouvelle Aquitaine). The project aims to:
- improve public and private governance to deal effectively with the invasion;
- to control Cortaderia populations, especially protecting coastal Natura 2000 areas and river corridors;
- to work on the confinement of the species, with an expected result of 1,000 hectares eliminated;
- to favour the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge to other biogeographic regions where CS is also a problem, achieved through activities conducted with a transnational alliance (now with 160 entities; objective 250).
To this end, it works according to the strategic foundations agreed in the "Transnational Strategy to combat CS in the Atlantic Arc", which arose during the LIFE STOP Cortaderia project (LIFE17 NAT/ES/000495).
RESULTS
The following results will be achieved at the end of the project:
- Removal of 1,000 hectares of Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc.
- 250 entities adhere to the Transnational Strategy for combating Cortaderia, committing to a set of medium and long-term objectives and efficient methodologies, with the best cost-benefit ratio and minimal environmental costs.
- Provision of effective and tangible technical assistance to at least 25 entities in the Atlantic Arc.
- At least one regional entity and ten municipal entities adopt the recommendations and modify regulations to enhance the effectiveness of Cortaderia control.
- At least 2 certification entities adopt the technical recommendations to obtain environmental certifications for more effective Cortaderia control.
- Training of at least 800 professionals from different sectors.
- In-depth understanding of the allergenic potential of pampas grass, segmented by age groups, and if this knowledge can have implications for management, propose recommendations to the administration in this regard.
- Organisation of at least 8 knowledge transfer seminars in biogeographical regions different from the Atlantic or in other areas within the Atlantic region not covered by the project. These are regions also experiencing increasing pampas grass invasion, with at least 3 in the Mediterranean region (Spain and France), including a pilot action for pampas grass eradication, another 3 in the Macaronesian region (Spain and Portugal), and 2 in other areas within the Atlantic region not covered by the Project.
- Implementation of a pilot action for pampas grass eradication and habitat restoration in one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean, the Ebro Delta, which has an incipient pampas grass invasion and demonstrative value.
- Organisation of activities with at least 3,000 volunteers.
- Organisation of 80 talks for the general public.
- Training of 300 primary and secondary school students in the Atlantic Arc.
- 5,000 social media followers receive the message about the harmful effects of Cortaderia.
- Update of the "Transnational Strategy for combating Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc" and the "Good Practices Manual for Cortaderia Selloana Control" at the end of the project. By December 2027, the updated documentation will be available in 5 languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, English, and Basque) and will encompass all the knowledge accumulated over 10 years of uninterrupted battle against Cortaderia, regarding planning and methodology.
