LIFE and Endangered Plants: Conserving Europe's Threatened Flora

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L I F E I I I

LIFE and endangered plants

Conserving Europe’s threatened flora

colours C/M/Y/K 32/49/79/21 European Commission Environment Directorate-General

LIFE (“The Financial Instrument for the Environment”) is a programme launched by the European Commission and coordinated by the Environment Directorate-General (LIFE Unit - E.4).

The contents of the publication “LIFE and endangered plants: Conserving Europe’s threatened flora” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the institutions of the European Union.

Authors: João Pedro Silva (Technical expert), Justin Toland, Wendy Jones, Jon Eldridge, Edward Thorpe, Maylis Campbell, Eamon O’Hara (Astrale GEIE-AEIDL, Communications Team Coordinator). Managing Editor: Philip Owen, European Commission, Environment DG, LIFE Unit – BU-9, 02/1, 200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels. LIFE Focus series coordination: Simon Goss (LIFE Communications Coordinator), Evelyne Jussiant (DG Environment Communications Coordinator). The following people also worked on this issue: Piotr Grzesikowski, Juan Pérez Lorenzo, Frank Vassen, Karin Zaunberger, Aixa Sopeña, Georgia Valaoras, Lubos Halada, Mikko Tira, Michele Lischi, Chloé Weeger, Katerina Raftopoulou. Production: Monique Braem. Graphic design: Daniel Renders, Anita Cortés (Astrale GEIE-AEIDL). Acknowledgements: Thanks to all LIFE project beneficiaries who contributed comments, photos and other useful material for this report. Photos: Unless otherwise specified; photos are from the respective projects. This issue of LIFE Focus is published in English with a print-run of 5,000 copies and is also available online. Attention version papier ajouter

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Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2007

ISBN 978-92-79-08815-5 ISSN 1725-5619 doi: 10.2779/9929��7

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Ecolabel Flower Printed on recycled paper that has been awarded the EU Ecolabel for graphic paper (http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel/) LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p.

Patrick Murphy

Plants are vital to almost every aspect of our daily lives. They provide us with food, fibres, medicines, fuel, shelter, clothing and the air we breathe. Many animal species are also directly dependent on plants for their survival. Plants are essential constituents of ecosystems and play a key role in the Earth’s system.

Europe is blessed with a high rate of diversity, but, despite their undeniable importance, plants everywhere are under threat. Some 21% of Europe’s vascular plant species (flowering plants, conifers and ferns) are classified as threatened according to the IUCN. Half of the continent’s 4,700 vascular plant endemics are in danger of extinction and 64 have already become extinct. In a number of European countries more than two-thirds of the existing plant habitats types are endangered. Major land-use changes from agriculture and forestry, habitat destruction, fragmentation and degradation, direct impacts by economic activities and invasive alien species are all rapidly eroding our plant communities. Climate change will further aggravate these pressures.

LIFE, the financial instrument for the environment, has been a cornerstone of plant conservation efforts, especially within the boundaries of the Natura 2000 network.

In total, from 1992-2007 some 970 projects received EU co-funding under the LIFE-Nature component of the LIFE programme. Although only 33 of these projects directly targeted the conservation of plants listed under the annexes of the Habitats Directive, a far greater number of projects targeted plant conservation within a broader context – for example, under habitat actions, Natura 2000 network site management plans, or more general actions.

This brochure explores the challenges for conservation of Europe’s endangered plants and highlights the role of the LIFE programme in helping to halt biodiversity loss, and to restore threatened habitats and natural systems. From Romania to northern Finland, France’s Seine Valley to Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the Mediterranean to Macaronesia, LIFE has supported a range of successful projects, helping to restore habitats and protecting endangered plants.

LIFE has also helped to promote a new concept – the plant micro-reserve (PMR) – first developed in the Spanish region of Valencia, and since successfully implemented in Slovenia and the island of Crete (see pp. 17-22).

Now, LIFE+, with a budget of over €2 billion, will continue to offer robust support to the conservation of plant species and of biodiversity in general across Europe.

Preventing the disappearance of so many species of plants is one of the major challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve the goal of halting the loss of Europe’s biodiversity.

Patrick Murphy Head of Unit – Nature & Biodiversity European Commission, DG Environment Background to Europe’s Plant micro-reserves: Restoration of wild plants...... 3 from concept to habitats...... 37 implementation...... 17 European wild plants: Austria: Lake Constance status and threats...... 3 Greece: Conservation forget-me-not flourishes of endangered flora on in Bregenz once more European biodiversity Crete...... 20 thanks to LIFE-Nature.... 38 policy and plant Germany: Protecting and conservation...... 5 Mediterranean flora.... 23 developing the Benningen LIFE’s contribution to Cyprus: Conservation of Marsh...... 41 EU plant conservation ..... 7 unique flora and Romania: Conserving habitats...... 24 forest habitats, preventing Endangered plants in soil erosion and guarding general...... 9 Italy: Conserving the ‘critically endangered’ against avalanches...... 42 Finland: Stakeholder Sicilian fir and helping to Czech Republic: Preserving participation in managing ensure its long-term the beauty and biodiversity endangered plant survival...... 27 of the Moravian Karst..... 45 populations...... 10 Spain: Protecting Further projects France: Saving two extraordinary biodiversity focusing on wetlands... 46 Norman plants...... 12 in the Sierra Nevada...... 30 List of available LIFE Germany: Grassland publications...... 49 protection in Bavaria ...... 14 Macaronesian flora..... 31 Spain: Conserving five Portugal: Managing and priority species in preserving Asphodelus the Canary Islands...... 32 bento-rainhae...... 16 Portugal: Restoring Madeira’s laurel forest.... 34

Background to Europe’s wild plants LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p.

European wild plants: status and threats

The disappearance and declining populations of many endangered plant species presents the European Union with one of its greatest conservation challenges. Efforts have focused on habitat loss and degradation, introductions of invasive alien species, pollution and disease, and climate change.

Europe’s varied geography and climate provides a vast range of habitats that support more than 12,500 vascular plants (flowering plants, conifers and ferns). Centres of particularly high plant diversity include the mountainous areas around the Mediterra- nean and the Black Sea. The floras of Spain, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Romania support the highest numbers of both endemic and endangered plant species.

Europe’s flora is one of the best known in the world and has been shaped by human interventions for many hun- dreds of years. However, the acceler- ated pace of industrialisation in recent decades, together with major land-use

changes, has resulted in European J.B.Madeira – LIFE99 NAT/P/006431 Photo: R.Jardim, plants today being considered among Convolvulus massonii: highly threatened by habitat loss the most threatened in the world. According to the World Conservation Threats that by the year 2032, more than 70% Union (IUCN), some 21% of Europe’s of the land’s surface will have been vascular plant species are classified as The main factors that have contrib- destroyed or disturbed. Habitat loss threatened and half of the continent’s uted to the progressive decline of is also a problem because it leads to 4,700 vascular plant endemics are in European plant diversity are: the fragmentation of the remaining danger of extinction. In a number of habitat resulting in further isolation of European countries more than two- Habitat loss and degradation plant populations. thirds of the existing plant habitat Habitat loss is the primary cause of types are endangered. species loss at local, regional and glo- Introductions of Invasive Alien bal scales. Urban development, over- Species (IAS) Wild plants in Europe are under severe drafting of groundwater, road building, Aliens are not science fiction, but a threat, and significant losses of plant recreation, forest fires, agriculture and nature conservation fact. An “alien” is species and habitat have taken place. tree logging all destroy and degrade any species that is moved by humans Although being a subject of concern, plant’s natural habitats. It is estimated to an area outside of its native range. In plant conservation tends to receive that habitat destruction from human the vast majority of cases, these spe- less media coverage than conserva- activity is the primary cause of risk cies will not survive because they are tion of other threatened groups, such for 83% of endangered plant species. not adapted to the new area. Nev- as big mammals (for example, lynxes Habitat loss is harmful not only to a ertheless, in a minority of cases, a and whales) and bird species. The single species, but to whole commu- species will be able to survive in its public is, however, concerned about nities and ecosystems. According to new location and sometimes will wild plants disappearing from the local the United Nations Environment Pro- even thrive in a new location. “Inva- countryside. gramme (UNEP), it has been estimated sive” species are those that spread Background to Europe’s wild plants

quickly to become very common and changes on European flora – such as dominant in the new habitat, posing a changes in the distribution of species, great threat to native species through- flowering times etc. – are forecast to out Europe. Particularly vulnerable are be most pronounced in mountainous European island ecosystems (espe- areas and in the Mediterranean and cially in the Macaronesian and Medi- Pannonian biogeographical regions. terranean biogeographical regions), Climate change poses an enormous due to their long-standing isolation. challenge to the conservation and For example, Rhododendron ponticum management of the plant species and from the Iberian Peninsula and Turkey habitats both within and outside the is an ornamental flowering shrub that Natura 2000 network. has invaded the UK acid woods and heathland causing problems in many Importance of plants: their Photo: LIFE important oak forests on the West goods and services Plants are valued for many reasons, coast of Scotland. In addition to the including aesthetics: Lady’s slipper environmental consequences, invasive Plants are universally recognised as orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) alien species may also have significant an essential part of biological diversity economical and social impacts. and a vital resource (i.e., in maintain- The vast majority of medicinal and ing carbon dioxide and oxygen equi- aromatic plant species used today Pollution and disease librium in the atmosphere). In addition is collected from the wild. Unfortu- Pollution is the release of chemical, to the small number of crop plants nately, such a practice can sometimes physical, biological or radioactive used for basic food and fibres, many result in unsustainable practices. For contaminants in the environment. It is thousands of wild plants have consid- example, wolf’s bane (Arnica mon- sometimes not visible to the naked eye erable economic and cultural impor- tana), used to treat sprains, bruises, and can disperse through air, water and tance and potential, providing food, and muscle aches, and great yellow other mediums into which it is emitted. fuel, clothing, shelter and medicine. gentian (Gentiana lutea) are harvested As a result, its direct effects, especially throughout Europe (especially in Bul- on plant life, can sometimes be hard An estimated 50,000 - 70,000 plant garia and Romania). These plants to spot. Pollution is a big problem for species are used in medicines are included in Annex V of the Habi- plants. For example, Pesticides are throughout the world. They make an tats Directive, which identifies plants designed to allow farmers to increase essential contribution to healthcare (and animals) requiring management their yields (and gardeners to keep and provide an important source of measures because of exploitation out weeds), but their misuse and income in rural areas. concerns. over-application can adversely affect wild plants in the area. The misuse of Effects of climate change on plant diversity: insecticides also affects plants, as it can impact on the populations of pol- Species are ‘left behind’ as they are unable to change their distribution fast enough. linators (such as bees) that some plants Species with long life cycles and/or slow dispersal are particularly vulnerable. need to reproduce. Soils can also be Some isolated species are particularly vulnerable, as they may have ‘nowhere contaminated with heavy metals, which to go’. These include: few plants can tolerate. At the very least l Arctic and alpine species, and island endemics. contamination will cause reduced plant l Coastal species which are ‘squeezed’ between human settlements and rising production and ecosystems become sea levels. more vulnerable to other threats. l Plant genetic composition may change in response to the selection pressure of climate change. Climate change l Some plant communities or species associations may be lost as species More recently, Europe’s plants are move and adapt at different rates. facing an unequivocal warming of the l Increased invasions by alien species may occur, as conditions become more climate. According to the latest projec- suitable for exotic species while native species become less suited to their tions more than half of the plant species environment. assessed could be vulnerable or threat- l Many plant communities act as ‘sinks’ (store carbon), which helps to offset ened by 2080. The impact of climatic carbon emissions. However, over the next 70 years, the effects of climate change on plants mean many terrestrial sinks may become sources, for � ��Thuiller �W��. et al. (��2005��) “Climate change example the bogs. threats to plant diversity in Europe”. Background to Europe’s wild plants LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p.

European Biodiversity Policy and plant conservation

The EU has introduced a framework for action and made key pledges to safeguard the continent’s rich biodiversity. It has created a network of protected sites, Natura 2000, which focuses on endangered plant species, and recently outlined its commitment to halting the loss of biodiversity in the EU and to restoring habitats and natural systems.

European heads of state agreed at sites, and that effective conservation loss by 2010. Many of the biodiversity- the 2001 summit in Gothenburg to and sustainable use of biodiversity, rich habitats in need of conservation halt biodiversity loss by 2010. The and the maintenance of essential are situated in, or close to, agricultural following year, the parties to the Con- ecosystem services, also requires land, where inappropriate agricultural vention on Biological Diversity (CBD) action in the wider countryside. For practices have reduced biological and some 130 world leaders commit- plants, such action is provided for by diversity. The presence of some plant ted themselves to a significant reduc- specific requirements in the EU Habi- species and habitats that are depend- tion in the rate of biodiversity loss by tats Directive (92/43/EEC) and more ent on extensive farming, for example, the same target date. A Commission generally by the integration of biodi- has declined in recent decades. Communication of May 2006, “Halt- versity concerns into agricultural and ing the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 other policies. EU Rural Development Policy (Council – and Beyond”, [COM(2006)216. Reg (EC) No.1257/1999) aims to rec- reconfirmed Europe’s commitment to The 2001 Biodiversity Action Plan for oncile agriculture with the objectives of implementation of the CBD. Agriculture (COM/2001/0162) aims to the EU nature conservation policy. This reduce the negative impacts of farming goal is achieved by financing agri-envi- Two particular threats to EU biodiver- practices by promoting the sustainable ronmental measures that go beyond sity are highlighted in the Communica- use of biological resources. It is one the usual good farming practices and tion. First, “spatial development”, for of the four biodiversity action plans, that have a direct impact on the con- which Member States have a particular covering 1) conservation of natural servation of European flora, particularly responsibility, through improved plan- resources, 2) agriculture, 3) fisheries, through the maintenance of extensive ning, to reconcile development needs and 4) economic and development co-

with the conservation of biodiversity operation outside Europe, included in http://www.ndp.ie/documents/publica- and maintenance of ecosystem serv- the EU’s Sixth Environmental Action tions/reg_cir/CR��7�999.pdf ices. The second threat is the potential Programme (6th EAP), approved by impact of climate change, where rising the Council of Ministers in 2001. It also Bogs: a priority for conservation habitat temperatures are already having a bio- has the goal of stemming biodiversity important for certain plant species, such as the insectivorous sundew logical impact, including earlier timing (Drosera rotundifolia) of spring events, and poleward and http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/ upward shifts in ranges in plant, as well LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:�992L0043: as animal species. 2007��:EN:PDF http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/ l28024.htm The EU approach recognises that biodiversity is not evenly spread, and that certain species are more at risk than others. Consequently, it affords special attention to the protection of sites of highest nature value and species most at risk included in the Habitats and Birds directives. However, this approach also recognises that much biodiversity resides outside these

� http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ biodiversity/comm2006/index_en.htm Background to Europe’s wild plants

systems and support for agriculture in est) to the Habitats Directive list the and low forest vegetation with Quercus Natura 2000 zones. habitats and species whose conserva- alnifolia (9390*); the rock rose (Cistus tion requires the designation of SACs. palhinhae) is the main species within The recent reforms of the Common Some of them are defined as “priority” maritime wet heath formations (5140*) Agricultural Policy (CAP) have also ena- habitats or species (in danger of disap- in the southwest of Portugal; and sea bled further integration of biodiversity pearing). grass (Posidonia oceanica) is the main concerns into agricultural policy and species within Mediterranean sea the 2008 review of the CAP provides Annex II identifies 324 animal species grass habitats (1120*). an important opportunity to further whose conservation requires the des- strengthen and support measures for ignation of SACs. However, the number Other habitat types with broader distri- farmland and forest biodiversity. For of plant species listed is much higher bution are also very important for some example, national statutory require- – 587, or 64%, of the total (see Fig.1). plant species such as orchids. The dry ments derived from EU directives cov- Moreover, some 204 (80%) of listed to semi-dry calcareous grasslands hab- ering birds, habitats, nitrates and pesti- plant species are priority – compared itat (6210), which is widely distributed cides are now included in the accepted with just 51 for animals. around Europe, can be home to impor- standards for good farming practice. tant populations of rare orchid species. The distribution of plant diversity Where this is the case, the habitat is Natura 2000 network and across Europe is not even. A full 60% considered a priority for conservation. plant conservation of the plant species included in Annex For example, important endangered II occur within the Mediterranean and orchid species (e.g., genus Ophrys) The Habitats Directive has focused on Macaronesian regions, according to are dependent on calcareous substrate the requirement of Member States to the reference lists for biogeographical semi-natural dry grasslands or forests establish a network of special areas regions (EU-25). (e.g., Cypripedium calceolus). !.)-!,3 0,!.43 of conservation (SACs) that, together with)NVERTEBRATES the special protection areas As well as the plant species included Finally, Article 13 of the Habitats Direc-

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Background to Europe’s wild plants LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p.

LIFE’s contribution to EU plant conservation

Since its beginning in 1992, LIFE1, the financial instrument for the environment, has been a cornerstone of plant conservation efforts in Europe, especially within the boundaries of the Natura 2000 network of protected sites. Now with the launch of LIFE+2, the new financial instrument for the environment, with an overall budget of €2 billion, LIFE will continue to offer robust support to the protection of plant species in Europe.

In total, from 1992-2006 some 970 objectives often involves carrying out projects received EU co-funding complex actions, which differ consider- under the LIFE-Nature component of ably according to each individual plant the LIFE programme. Although only species targeted by the project. As a 33 of these projects directly targeted consequence, a number of the projects the conservation of plants listed under featured over the following pages ben- the annexes of the Habitats Direc- efited from close collaboration with tive, a far greater number of projects stakeholders and from national and

targeted plant conservation within a Photo: LIFE00 NAT/IT/007239 international partnerships. broader context – for example, under LIFE projects often target more than habitat actions, Natura 2000 network one endangered plant species Some common characteristics of site management plans, or more gen- LIFE-Nature projects targeting plants eral actions. plant species is located in the south- are projects:

ern European countries. l targeting several plant species – with Under LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, different ecological requirements, projects targeting plants and habitats LIFE plant project actions habitats and locations within and outside Natura 2000 may l ��focusing on very restricted species be financed. ‘LIFE+ Nature’ will co- A particular characteristic of LIFE plant populations – with few individuals finance best practice or demonstra- projects, a number of which have been and often targeting very small areas tion projects contributing to the imple- selected to highlight the different sec- e.g. one Natura 2000 site or a group mentation of the Birds and Habitats tions of this brochure, is that such of sites directives; and ‘LIFE+ Biodiversity’ projects typically have highly specific

will co-finance innovative or demon- objectives (e.g. many target endemic, � LIFE I, II and III (�992-2006) stration projects contributing to the or very rare species). Meeting these 2 LIFE+ (2007-��3) implementation of the objectives of the Commission’s 2006 Communica- tion “Halting the loss of biodiversity by LIFE and Invasive Alien Species (IAS) 2010 – and beyond”. Invasive alien species (IAS) are acknowledged as one of the main threats to biodi- Geographic distribution of versity, together with habitats loss and fragmentation. Reducing the impact on EU LIFE projects targeting plants biodiversity of invasive species is one of the objectives identified in the European Commission’s Communication on Biodiversity. The issue of invasive species was specifically addressed by a LIFE-Nature project As mentioned in the previous article, in Madeira, Portugal that involved the removal of over 850 tonnes of Kahili ginger ‘European Biodiversity Policy and (Hedychium gardnerianum) plant material from an area covering 165 ha. The Kahili plant conservation’ (pp.5-6), the distri- ginger is an ornamental plant introduced to local gardens in Madeira in the 1930s, bution of plant diversity across Europe but which now runs wild throughout the island, displacing the native Macaronesian is not even – almost two-thirds of the laurel forest, a priority Natura 2000 habitat. Like the Kahili ginger, the Carpobrotus plant species listed under Annex II of edulis from South Africa, with its beautiful flowers, was planted in gardens very the Habitats Directive are restricted far away from its native soil. The diverse coastal plant habitats of Minorca, Spain to the Mediterranean and Macaron- have been particularly hard hit by this uncontrolled IAS. Thanks to a Spanish LIFE- esian biogeographical regions. It is Nature project (LIFE00 NAT/E/007339) this invasive plant was successfully elimi- no surprise therefore that the largest nated from the island’s Natura 2000 sites. contribution of LIFE projects targeting Background to Europe’s wild plants

l ��combining local conservation meas- plant species Viola hispida and viding future sustainability for the ures (in situ) and off-site actions (ex Biscutella neustriaca and as a result conservation of plant and habitats situ) such as plant nurseries the definition of new Natura 2000 within the Natura 2000 network. l ��increasing plant species knowledge sites and management plans. l Awareness-raising: several - by gathering scientific knowledge l Land or rights acquisition: actions projects produced leaflets, mono- (new populations, genetic studies, targeting the protection of plant graphs or manuals. Projects also etc.) to be used in the development populations and conservation of implemented traineeship schemes and implementation of protection, their habitats in certain locations. and raised awareness among local management or recovery plans l Direct conservation actions: for stakeholders (farmers, environment l ��increasing public awareness and the conservation of plant species agents, etc), schools and the gen- knowledge of plant species – (nor- and their habitats: ex situ – creation eral public. These actions helped mally very low) together with the of nurseries, in-vitro propagation, to improve general knowledge establishment of partnerships with germoplasm banks – and in situ – of Europe’s plant species and to stakeholders at local level. recovery of degraded areas, habitat improve awareness of the impor- restoration, alien species eradica- tance of their conservation. Financed actions vary considerably, tion, establishment of fences, etc. depending on the characteristics of l Monitoring : included scientific LIFE also co-funded the purchase of the targeted species or habitats. But monitoring during the project equipment needed for plant conser- in general, the projects include: periods and after-LIFE in order to vation actions, helping to fund, for l Preparatory actions: such as assess the longer-term impacts. example, the building of nurseries the preparation of surveys, map- Some projects also included spe- and the supply of tools and resources ping, definition of seedling proto- cies and habitats surveillance (for- of vital importance to continued local cols, genetic analysis, etc. These est fires/collecting/grazing). plant conservation. actions help to further knowledge l Networking : several projects of the targeted species and set out organised expert meetings deal- Annex II identifies 587 plant species improved conservation measures. ing with plant conservation and whose conservation requires the des- Projects typically involve partner- established contacts with other ignation of special areas of conser-

ships with research institutions LIFE project beneficiaries both on vation that together with the special – mainly European botanical gar- a national and European level. LIFE protection areas designated under dens and the botany departments funding also played an important the Birds Directive, make up the of European universities. For role in the establishment of part- Natura 2000 network. Of these, some example, the French project LIFE99 nerships between stakeholders, 204 (80%) of plant species are prior-

NAT/F/006332 contributed to an managers and scientific person- ity. Thus looking to the future, under increased knowledge of the dry nel, resulting in the establishment the new LIFE+ programme there are !LPINE "OREAL !TLANTIC

grasslands of the Seine and Eure 0ANNONIAN of management and conservation plenty of opportunities for LIFE project #ONTINENTAL -ACARONESIAN valley habitat of the endangered plans-EDITERRANEAN with local support and pro- applications targeting plants. 0ROJECTTARGETEDPLANTS .OF0ROJECTS Figure III: LIFE Nature projects targeting Figure IV: Number of projects by Annex II plant species Biogeographical region (1992-2006)

Only EU member states with projects targeting plant species

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.OF!NNEX))TARGETEDPLANTS .OF0ROJECTS LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p.

Europe’s native plants have been declining at an alarming rate. They face an ever-increasing range of threats, from the fragmentation of their habitats to pressures resulting from agriculture, forestry and urban sprawl. Climate change and the spread of invasive alien species are additional threats. Across Europe, LIFE

Nature has been contributing to the conservation of endangered plant species by maintaining and restoring their habitats, as well as implementing management and recovery plans within the framework of the Natura 2000 network. Here we present some LIFE project examples that are helping combat the loss of Europe’s plant diversity. Endangered plants in general

Finland: Stakeholder participation in managing endangered plant populations

An integrated package of proactive LIFE-Nature management measures in Lapland has resulted in the successful restoration of prioritised biotypes and improved conservation status for two of Europe’s endangered plant species – lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) and yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus).

Northern Finland is renowned for its Europe’s yellow marsh saxifrage is Natura 2000 sites in Kainuu, Northern unusual environment that experiences very sensitive to hydrological changes Ostrobothnia, and southern and cen- the midnight sun in summer and a and the plant has disappeared from tral Lapland. harsh Arctic chill during winter. These extensive areas in central and north- climatic extremes create a distinctive ern Europe. The lady’s slipper has also What did LIFE do? set of conditions where a variety of suffered population decline from clear flora and fauna have thrived in a mix cutting, soil preparation and plant col- Metsähallitus was aware of the impor- of different habitats, ranging from wild lection. Loss of marsh habitats and tance of partnership approaches for boreal forests to treeless alkaline fens herb-rich woodland has been particu- securing sustainable benefits from and mires. Recent expansion of com- larly problematic and the fate of these habitat restoration work and so an mercial forestry is now threatening species has been further threatened integrated proposal was designed some of these natural habitats and in Finland as woodland meadows to include the project’s main stake- the plant species that they support, become overgrown or taken over by holders. such as the lady’s slipper (Cypripe- the spruce (Picea abies). dium calceolus) and yellow marsh Four main project elements were saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus). Both of Lapland’s Natural Heritage govern- developed, covering the following these plants are listed under Annex ment agency, Metsähallitus, recog- activities:

IV of the EU Habitats Directive as nised these problems and acknowl- l Inventories and restoration plans; important species that require strict edged that it had special international l Land purchase; protection. responsibility for the two species, l Biotope management actions; and

since Northern Finland hosted a l Stakeholder awareness. Population numbers and distribution significant proportion of the plants’ of these species have declined steeply remaining European population. A Preparation work throughout Europe and this trend had, LIFE-Nature proposal was developed until recently, continued in Lapland to tackle the key issue of habitat loss Inventories were prepared during the as habitats were destroyed by forest and Metsähallitus’s project has had LIFE project’s initial stages, which clearances or drainage of nutrient-rich success in reversing the decline of identified the location and status of 465 fens for timber production. these endangered plant species at yellow marsh saxifrage colonies and 632 lady’s slipper colonies. This base- Mowing (left) was one of the key actions to recover the populations of S. hirculus (right) line information was then converted into restoration plans for 19 areas. The inventory process also generated important data on other priority plant species, such as slender green feather- moss (Hamatocaulis vernicosus) and fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa).

Preparation of the restoration plans confirmed the relevance of acquiring land to ensure appropriate habitat management procedures. A total of 2,172 ha of biotopes was obtained, involving

Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 11

explained. Lady’s slipper’s popular- ity in Finland was considered to help engender a positive attitude towards the commitments required for both plants’ conservation.

Training materials were distributed to forestry schools to help broaden the LIFE project’s benefits and a series of public information materials were also produced including interpretation facilities for visitors at the Natura 2000 sites. Two detailed scientific reports were prepared, which mapped each plant’s conservation status and identified a set of recommendations to improve unfavourable conditions for both species. Tree ring barking (left) to reduce shadow and population monitoring of C.calceoulus What was the outcome? purchase of 76 plots and swapping of to avoid damage to flower stems that 19 plots. Protection agreements were emerge later in the summer. Metsähallitus considers this LIFE- acquired on an additional 24 plots to Nature project to have had a rewarding reinforce the Natura 2000 areas’ eco- These experimental measures gen- and worthwhile outcome. Investments logical unity and provide a firm founda- erated positive results in terms of have been delivered in a carefully tion for the habitat restoration work to increased numbers of lady’s slipper coordinated manner to encourage build on. flowering shoots in thinned wood- on-going sustainability of the conser- lands and broader coverage of yel- vation work. Stakeholder commitment Conservation in action low marsh saxifrage in the project’s has been secured through construc- mowed areas. tive cooperation with Forest Centres Different biotype management actions in North Ostrobothnia, Kainuu and were established during the LIFE Stakeholder commitment Lapland. Monitoring of the plant pop- project and each action was carefully ulations will continue as an on-going tailored to the individual target areas. Sustaining the benefits from these activity and results are anticipated to A key target referred to rehabilita- pro-active conservation measures show that LIFE-Nature support has tion of wetland mire habitats, which requires good understanding amongst been successful in its objective of involved restoring original hydrologi- all stakeholders about the environ- stabilising the populations of two of cal conditions by filling and damming mental rationale and practical tech- Europe’s endangered plant species. ditches on land that had previously niques involved. Metsähallitus was been drained for forestry. Some 167 keen to implement an effective part- Project Number: ha of land was restored in this way, nership approach to the LIFE project LIFE00 NAT/FIN/007059 creating considerable coverage of and exceeded its original intentions Title: Conservation of Cypripedium new natural habitat opportunities for regarding support from the forestry calceolus and Saxifraga hirculus in both lady’s slipper and yellow marsh sector and awareness of the project Northern Finland saxifrage. amongst the public and media. Beneficiary: Metsähallitus, Natural Heritage Service Northern Finland Mowing and clearing of overgrown Cooperation with forestry stakehold- (public authority) sites formed another core compo- ers was strong throughout the project Contact: Arja Vasama nent of the LIFE project’s plans. and this can be highlighted as an Email: [email protected] This involved removal and control important success factor. Mutual Website: http://www.metsa.fi/luo/ of spruce to open up canopies and respect and appreciation were rein- projektit/lettorikko/ reduce shading. Mowing was carried forced during special training events Period: Dec-2000 to May-2005 out manually in sensitive areas and by for 350 landowners and forestry e mechanical mowers on larger sites. professionals where conservation Total Budget: 1,900,000 Mowing was carefully timed in June techniques for both species were LIFE Contribution: e 950,000 Endangered plants in general

France: Saving two Norman plants

A project to conserve two endangered wildflowers in Normandy significantly raised the level of interest in these native species and hopes for their long-term survival. It brought together a range of partners to stop the decline in populations of these species.

Listed in the Habitats directive, the endangered species, the Violet of Rouen (Viola hispida) and Biscutelle of Neustrie (Biscutella neustriaca), are found in the calcareous grasslands and scree on the slopes of the Seine valley. Encroaching brush and woodland has reduced the size of these habitats. They were maintained as clearings through traditional grazing up until the 1960s but have since been abandoned with the introduction of modern farming practices. The habitats are home to a wide range of flora including orchids. Photo: Arehn

The first step of the project was to France’s Seine valley – the unique location of these two plants species conduct a survey of the populations of the target species. According to Car- 1,500 individuals were found at 10 These sites are mostly in the depart- ine Douville of the Conservatoire des sites, while a total population of 2,000 ment of Upper Normandy but some are Sites Naturels de Haute-Normandie, Biscutelle was identified at 40 sites. To in Ile-de-France. the project beneficiary, the violet was be sustainable, the violet would need particularly threatened and would to increase its population to 5,000 indi- What did LIFE do? have already become extinct without viduals with at least 100 at each site; the intervention of the project. Some the Biscutelle would require 50 per site. EU funding was a major factor in attracting partners to the conservation of these habitats. The beneficiary was About the wildflowers supported by the Vexin regional park, the National Botanical Conservatories The Violet of Rouen is an annual flowering plant of of Bailleul and Bassin, the University 5-15 cm high. Its leaves are dark green and cove- of Rouen and the Agency for Green red with tiny short white hairs that give the plant a Spaces in Î��le-de-France.�� The project velvet-like appearance. Its flowers, which are about allowed the beneficiary to reintroduce 1.5-2 cm high, consist of five petals. The superior beneficial grazing practices in sec- petals are slightly darker and the base of the inferior petal striated black on a tions of grassland that are still in good white background. Seeds are contained in a three-valve capsule that opens condition or that were to be restored. when ripe. Restoring sites entailed manually cut- The Biscutelle of Neustrie is a perennial with a thick root and is 20-40 cm ting away scrub and trees. On the �Î��le-� in height. The root may divide into several branches creeping under ground de-France site, however, the project and giving birth to several rosettes of leaves. Its lea- partner, the Vexin regional park, pur- ves are dark green covered with tiny short, rough, chased a rotary shredder to remove but not glandulous, hairs. Flowers are about 5 mm dense vegetation. Though the grass- long, bright yellow and consist of four petals and lands would be grazed using existing four sepals, typically crossed. Two big flat seeds flocks of sheep for the most part, the are contained in each fruit. When ripe, seeds fall to project allowed the beneficiary to buy a short distance from the parent plant. an additional flock of 100, and where

Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 13

local stockbreeders are still present, agreements were concluded. “Local farmers and landowners were cooper- ative,” says Douville. “Those that look after the sheep are compensated by the fencing and maintenance that the project has provided.”

As well as habitat restoration, the project planned to attempt conservation of the violet ex situ, and reintroduce individuals to their former sites. This aspect of the project was conducted in partnership with the National Botanical Conservatories. The calcareous screes (left) and grasslands (right) are maintained through grazing and One of the major results of the project removal of vegetation has been a significant improvement in knowledge of dry grassland habitats of Biscutelle do not last, so it is not ervation of the two target species. As in the region. Some 3,000 ha of land possible to restore populations on old well as restoring and managing their was inventoried in the lower Seine sites through the use of the seed bank current habitat locations, it is estab- and Eure valleys, and as a result the remaining in the soil. lishing new locations by restoring project provided precise and use- potential sites. ful data to managers and competent One satisfying outcome of the project, authorities. Moreover, a further 800 ha says Douville of the Conservatoire des Restoration work includes clear- of grassland was added to the Natura Sites Naturels de Haute-Normandie, ing and grazing some 37 ha of 2000 network. Management plans is the number of old people that have grassland for Biscutella neustriaca. (called “Documents d’objectifs” in commented on how the restoration For Viola hispida, the restoration French) were finalised for several of the habitats has brought back involves carefully removing by hand Natura 2000 sites including coteaux fond memories of how the landscape vegetation to make the scree mobile, d’Orival and coteaux de Saint Adrien. used to appear. She also says that scorching the remaining vegetation, the demand for guided visits to the and removing the larger stones to In Normandy, the project purchased areas has steadily increased. The leave only fine scree. Where neces- 167.5 ha of dry grassland and estab- Conservatoire has erected informa- sary, individuals will be introduced lished management agreements for tion display panels and responded to to reinforce sparse populations or to a further 334 ha. The biodiversity hot a high level of media interest in the constitute new populations. Isolated spots for these orchid-rich habitats project. More than 50 newspaper arti- locations will be connected by clear- are now under active management. cles have been written on the conser- ing and grazing 16 ha of “ecologic As a result of the habitat restoration vation work including two articles in corridors”. efforts, 297 ha of land are now grazed. national newspapers. Local television The populations in all the existing sites also reported on the project. Project Number: were monitored closely each year the LIFE99 NAT/F/006332 project ran. Life after LIFE Title: Priority species, chalk grasslands and scree in the lower Seine A biological study of the two species The longer term management of valley catchment area was carried out in order to develop these sites is now being financed by Beneficiary: Conservatoire des a suitable conservation strategy. It FEDER, crédits Etat-Région, Minis- Sites Naturels de Haute-Normandie was discovered that the violet seeds try of the Environment and Contacts Contact: Carine Douville have a good germination power even N2000. However, at the end of the Email: after a long time. Stripping scree to project, the two target species were [email protected] recreate favourable conditions for the still endangered and, as a result, Period: violet was tested successfully in one preparations for a second LIFE April-1999 to September-2003 old site, and will be extended to other project began. The main objective of Total Budget: e 1,166,000 sites corresponding to the species’ the follow-on project, which is ongo- e historical range. By contrast, seeds ing, is to ensure the long-term pres- LIFE Contribution: 1,103,000 Endangered plants in general

Bavaria: Sand grassland protection

Home to the priority species Jurinea cyanoides, the sandy Bavarian grasslands along the great bend of the River Main, though ecologically rich, are under threat. A LIFE project increased the available habitats for the priority species, thereby ensuring its survival.

The habitat of Jurinea cyanoides, known as Silberscharte in German and a priority species listed in the Habitats Directive, is dry sandy, steppic grassland (Koelerion glaucae), which is criss-crossed by lichens and isolated twisted pines. The only significant site in Bavaria – near the town Volkach – is just a few hectares and extremely vulnerable. It is surrounded by pine- woods, orchards and sandy arable lands where asparagus is grown. As a result expansion is difficult and plans to quarry sand in the vicinity have posed an added problem.

The aim of the LIFE project was to Photo: Otto Elsner increase the available habitats for The level of soil nutrients was reduced by a system of crop cycling Jurinea cyanoides so as to ensure the survival of this species and to Depending on the condition, sections Permanent monitoring plots were increase the population size. This of land would be left to either natu- also established to track the evolution goal would be achieved through land ral succession, mowed, ploughed or of vegetation. purchase of surrounding properties. scoriated to accelerate the leaching The project focused on two small of nutrients and then in some cases The beneficiary, the Ministry for the areas that are both partly nature sowed with Jurinea cyanoides seeds. Environment, the competent author- reserves: the Astheimer Dürring- In certain places sand would also be ity for nature conservation in Bavaria, swasen and the Sandgrasheiden am deposited on the land. Public access along with project partner, the munici- Elgersheimer Hof. to the sites was to be restricted. pality of Volkach, purchased 6.4 ha of land to re-colonise the species. Since What did LIFE do? the project site was in an area where there is intense competition for land In order to refine management options, from the agricultural sector (aspara- the project started by conducting sev- gus cultivation, fruit tree plantations eral studies: and vineyards) and the gravel indus-

l ��Genetic fingerprinting to clarify the try, a rural land consolidation pro- taxonomic status of central Euro- cedure was used: land was bought pean Jurinea cyanoides vis-à-vis where sellers could be found and Russian specimens; then swapped against the required

l ��Soil analysis to determine nutrient and sections of land via the consolidation mineral levels and monitor the success procedure. In this way enclaves and of actions to reduce nutrients; and bridgeheads for Jurinea cyanoides

l Analysis of invertebrates associated could be created, many of them with Jurinea cyanoides and its habitat. adjoining the existing nature reserve. The following actions were taken to improve the soil and general habitat Jurinea cyanoides is found in dry conditions to ensure re-establishment sandy grasslands and long-term survival of the species Photo: Otto Elsner Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 15

on the land acquired:

l ��The removal of objects such as fences and huts;

l ��An increase in the proportion of bare, steppe-type land through the clearing of hedges and bushes, mowing tall grass and pruning or felling of fruit trees;

l ��The reduction of the level of nutrients in the soil (especially in former asparagus fields) by a system of crop cycling (sunflowers, linseed, flax and rye);

l ��The improvement of the soil struc-

ture by ploughing and/or adding Photo: Otto Elsner sand; and Sowing seeds over the treated land boosted the natural re-colonisation process l ��The boosting of natural re-colonisation by sowing seeds over the rectly as they were paid for the biotope old fruit trees needed to be explained treated land. measures, which they had been con- to the local inhabitants. Excursions tracted to do on both project sub-sites. were held for inhabitants and forest- In those sections where Jurinea ers (maintenance of forest clearings cyanoides has been re-established, The strategies and techniques used is important for Jurinea cyanoides long-term management is carried out could serve as a model for other conservation locally). In addition, four through mowing. Monitoring of the projects that target point endemics or information panels were set up. success of the project actions began endangered species with geographi- during the project and will continue cally restricted populations. The Finally, the project established net- afterwards. project also illustrated the need to working opportunities with other plant take the taxonomic issues into con- conservationists in Central Europe as What was the outcome? sideration when dealing with con- well as visiting sites where Jurinea servation projects for geographically cyanoides occurs in other parts of Local authorities initiated the conser- isolated species. Conservationists Germany. It produced a brochure in vation measures for this endangered are still unsure whether the Ger- German, French and English detailing plant species around 1990, but it was man-Czech populations belong contacts with authorities in Mecklen- only with LIFE support that significant to the same species as the Rus- burg Western Pomerania, Saxony- advances could be made to reach the sian and Asiatic populations. Anhalt, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, long-term conservation objectives. Lower Austria and Poland. First results at the end of the LIFE Another important outcome of the project were very encouraging: where project was the agreement between Project Number: they had been sown manually, the Juri- the competent authorities and the LIFE96 NAT/D/003042 nea seeds germinated very success- local gravel industry. The project initi- Title: Protection and Development of fully and the local range of the plant ated talks between these stakeholders the Population of Jurinea cyanoides steadily expanded. Where there was at the end of which the gravel indus- (Silberscharte) in the typical plan no sowing, colonisation took longer try agreed to refrain from extending its association on continental dunes but by the end of the project individ- quarrying area inside the core areas (Sandgrasheiden) near Volkach ual specimens had already appeared. of Jurinea cyanoides. This agreement Beneficiary: Bayerisches Through the creation of the new habi- will result in greater landscape pro- Staatsministerium für Umwelt, tat for Jurinea cyanoides, the project tection and increased value for local Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz made the Volkach area a stronghold recreation. Contact: Otto Elsner for this species in the EU. LIFE has Email: [email protected] focused much local attention on the An appropriate public-awareness cam- Website: http://www.ivl-web.de/juri- presence and conservation needs paign for what might be considered a nea/frame_jur.html of this species, thereby ensuring the plant species with a low conservation Period: Jan-1997 to Dec-2000 long-term management of the Natura profile was carried out. A mobile exhibi- Total Budget: e 600,000 2000 sites around Volkach. Local farm- tion toured the municipalities affected e ers were involved and benefited indi- by the project – notably the felling of tall LIFE Contribution: 240,000 Endangered plants in general

Portugal: Managing and preserving Asphodelus bento-rainhae

Asphodelus bento-rainhae is an endangered plant found only in a 700 ha site on the northern slopes of Portugal’s Serra da Gardunha. The LIFE “Asphodelus” project set out to reverse a declining trend in the plant’s population by restoring its habitat

Asphodelus bento-rainhae is listed in the second year. This was probably as a priority species in the Annex II of the result of genetic factors within the the Habitats Directive. It occurs along plants rather than anything specific to the edges of oak (Quercus robur and the project. Quercus pyrenaica) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) forests in a small In terms of forest fire prevention, sev- area of eastern Portugal. When the eral blazes were detected and extin- LIFE project began, the endangered guished during the course of the plant’s habitat was being destroyed project, however, on two occasions the at a rate of 7% per annum as a result pSCI was slightly damaged by fire. of forest fires and the conversion of woodland into cherry orchards, and A total of five farmers participated in the fruit growers’ extensive use of a programme encouraging the diver- herbicides has been accelerating the sification of forest uses and reduced reduction and fragmentation of the use of agro-chemicals and fertilisers. surviving Asphodelus population. Silva Photo: João Pedro However, this represented only 3% of Asphodelus bento-rainhae: found the cherry producers in the area. LIFE, together with the local munici- only in 7 km2 of the north slopes of pality and various private individuals Portugal’s Gardunha mountains The project made an essential con- living in the district, provided funding tribution to the Natura 2000 network, for the NGO ADESGAR to carry out paign showed farmers how to make both by enlarging the pSCI to include urgent conservation measures. agricultural practices more compat- key nuclei of the target species ible with the protection of the region’s located outside its boundaries and What did LIFE do? natural heritage. A key component of by establishing a management plan this was the promotion of alternatives for the species. The local authority The main objective of the project was to the use of herbicides. intends to incorporate this manage- to reverse the declining trend in the ment plan into its land use regulations Asphodelus population by restoring What was the outcome? by 2010. its habitat, shoring up the recently isolated population nuclei and preventing The project achieved several goals forest fires. aiming at the conservation of the pSCI Project Number: and the target species. The distribution LIFE98 NAT/P/005229 ADESGAR used part of the LIFE fund- of the main Asphodelus bento-rainhae Title: Asphodelus bento-rainhae – ing to lease and purchase land (32 ha). nuclei was mapped. This enabled the Measures to manage and preserve it Other habitat restoration measures pSCI to be enlarged to incorporate the Beneficiary: ADESGAR (Associ- included planting Asphodelus from 20% of key Asphodelus nuclei located ação de Defesa e Desenvolvimento seeds cultivated in nurseries, control- outside its boundaries. da Serra da Gardunha) ling the development of forest under- Contact: João Pedro Silva growth, regulating public access to Various techniques of species inter- Email: [email protected] sensitive areas, and gardening. spersion were tried: while the direct Website: www.gardunha.com transplant of individuals coming from Period: Forest fire prevention was the subject of high density nuclei was successful, Aug-1998 to Jul-2003 an information campaign aimed mainly the seedlings transplanted from the Total Budget: e 556,000 at farmers, and also at local residents seed collection that had germinated in e and visitors. Another information cam- nurseries showed a high mortality rate LIFE Contribution: 446,000

Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 17

Plant micro-reserves: from concept to implementation

A plant micro-reserve (PMR) is a small plot of land (up to 20 ha – there is no minimum size) that is of peak value in terms of plant richness endemism or rarity. The PMR is a permanent, statutory reserve given over to long-term monitoring of plant species and vegetation types. As well as providing strong protection to plants and substrate, traditional activities compatible with plant conservation are allowed within the micro-reserve.

Europe’s first plant micro-reserves The success of each PMR is meas- flora appears in micro-populations were set up in 1994 by the Regional ured by the rate of incorporation of fragmented throughout the whole Wildlife Service of the Generalitat three indicators: priority habitats, region. These areas of high botanic Valenciana, the autonomous govern- endemic taxa and threatened taxa. value also include 33 habitats listed ment of the Valencia region, with the in Annexe I of the Habitats Directive, support of the LIFE programme. Valencia pioneers the PMR of which 15 are priority habitats.

Plant micro-reserves allow a close The Valencia region has a great diver- Many of these plants and habitats monitoring of target species by sity of plant species. Twelve of its 355 are threatened by urban development trained staff and the development of endemic plant species are included and changes in land use, particularly conservation actions tailored to their in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats on Valencia’s coastal fringe and in its needs across a whole territory. Since Directive; and 150 species are consid- wetlands. a PMR can be proclaimed for a single ered rare or threatened. Much of this target species, it can pinpoint isolated Valencia was therefore an ideal areas of high botanical value. The aim location for Europe’s first network

is to provide a small-scale and flexible A PMR in Muntanya Cavall, Valencia of PMRs, a project included in the approach to plant conservation and to UNESCO-MAB Programme in 1991 act as a complement to large Natural because of its scientific importance. Protected Areas.

Photo: E.Laguna LIFE-Nature supported a two-phase The final aim of PMRs is not protec- project to create a network of flora tion itself but inventory and monitor- micro-reserves in Valencia. The first ing of plant diversity. phase (LIFE93 NAT/E/011100) ran Endangered plants in general

from 1994-96 and the second phase Chaenorhinum tenellum, Petrocoptis bling sites of high botanical interest to (LIFE95 NAT/E/00856) started in pardoi and Silene diclinis. Conserva- be incorporated into the network that January 1997, ending in December tion programmes were established for would otherwise remain outside it. Pri- 1999. The aim of the projects was to the genus Biscutella, terrestrial and vate landowners are compensated for set up a network of some 100 small aquatic cryptograms, the labiate genus transferring management rights to the botanical reserves (with an average Teucrium (germanders), Satureja (savo- regional authority and are also eligible size of two hectares) that would be ries), Linaria (toadflax), Chaenorrhinum for grants and subsidies to maintain representative of the main endemic and Sideritis (ironwort). the PMR. plant communities found in Valencia. In addition, a further 1,000 ha of land Species conservation involved both in Two further LIFE-Nature projects of prime botanical interest would be situ and ex situ measures. The former in Valencia have complemented purchased for long-term research and included land purchase agreements the network of flora micro-reserves monitoring in plant ecology. and habitat management plans, the established by the original project. latter included implementation of a “Conservation of priority habitats in Exceeding the objectives seed bank, ‘in vitro’ propagation of the Valencian community” (LIFE99 species and cultivation of plants in NAT/E/006417) ran from July 1999 The project surpassed greenhouses.T S to the end of 2003 with the principal , ) C & expectation, succeed- E objective of conserving the vegetation % J ing in establishing a in 17 priority habitats in the 38 sites 0 O Expanding the network R - total of 158 micro- The Valencia micro-reserve network proposed for inclusion in the Natura 0

2 reserves, covering has expanded significantly following 2000 network; “Management and 2

286 ha. A total of 77 the conclusion of the LIFE project in increasing appreciation of three high

of these PMRs were- 1999. As of 2005, it consists of 247 mountain priority habitats in Valen- R

granted a formal dec- plots, with a total surface area of cia” (LIFE03 NAT/E/0064) ran from

laration of legal protec- 1,684& ha (the densest network of pro- 2004-2006 with the goal of improv- ) C

T S tion for both the plants tected sites for plant conservation in ing the conservation status of three and the physical habitat by the world). Some 80% of the micro- priority habitats: endemic black pine Valencia’s Regional Environment reserves are on public land, with the forests, endemic juniper forests and Minister. remainder owned by private individu- yew woods. als, NGOs or municipal authorities. For The project was also able to draw up the Generalitat Valenciana, these pri- The mountain habitats project aimed propagation protocols for 20 endan- vate micro-reserves play an important to stop the widespread decline of yew gered native species and recovery dual role – on the one hand getting and juniper woods through measures plans were put in place for a number individuals directly involved in plant such as eradicating invasive spe- of species – Limonium dufourii, conservation, and on the other ena- cies, preserving monumental trees

The PMR projects also involved ex-situ conservation actions – In-vitro reproduction of yew (left), Silene hifacensis seedlings in a nursery (centre) and Helianthemum caput-felis (right)

Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 19

of the best yew formations of the Alicante province were successfully eradicated. In the Pegunta ravine, Photo: E.Laguna specimens of the non-native pop- lar Populus nigra x Canadensis were felled and the trunks turned into drinking troughs. These troughs were one of the methods used to attract potential animal dispersers of seeds (along with the planting of fruit-bear- ing plant species and the installation Silene hifacensis: a priority Annex II plant species included in the Valencian of ecological beehives) with the aim of PMR projects improving the low propagation rate of the targeted tree species. reserves. The Minorcan government and regional government (Govern Bal- Nurseries were established for the ear) are now working on implementing cultivation of endemic aromatic plants this network of PMRs. T S and 2,500 examples of each of, six) C & E aromatic plant species native to the % Slovenia was the first J 0 O project habitats were given away free country outside Spain R - to visitors and local inhabitants. to go down the 0

micro-reserve2 path.

Photo: E.Laguna

Information panels describing the In0 the LIFE-Nature

Monitoring of plant species populations - R

flora and habitats on view were added project “Conserva- 0

is vital for assessing their conservation O

status to eight mountain trails with the aim tion of endangered % E

) C , both of promoting knowledge of theT species/habitats in the

and encouraging economic activities natural environment and of attractingS future Karst Park (Slov- linked to the natural habitats and their visitors to the area, one of a number enia)” (LIFE02 NAT/SLO/008587) conservation. of dissemination activities carried out that ran from 2002-5, the Science and during the project. Research Centre (ZRS) at the Univer- Some 21,000 seedlings of 23 species sity of Primorska in the port city of were planted to improve the con- Exporting the concept Koper set up a network of 30 micro- servation state of the habitats and reserves for rare and endangered wild encourage their natural regeneration. Planta Europa, the network of inde- plants, as well as for priority habitats Demographic analysis of yew tree pendent organisations, non-govern- protected by the Habitats Directive, populations revealed that there are mental and governmental, working mainly focused on small ponds, cal- 6,451 specimens within the five sites together to conserve European wild careous screes, rocky slopes and where works were carried out during plants and fungi, adopted the initial grasslands. All the sites are within the the project – a sevenfold LIFE micro-reserves project in Valen- boundaries of the Karst Edge, to be increase in the number of cia as a pilot scheme to evaluate the included in the future Regional Park trees compared with previ- possible creation of a pan-European of the Slovenian Karst. ous data for the whole of micro-reserves network. Steps have Valencia. now been taken towards establishing Since 2004, LIFE has been support- such a network. ing the “CRETAPLANT” project (“A The Botanical Garden of pilot network of plant micro-reserves the University of Valencia The LIFE project “Conservation of in Western Crete (Greece)” – LIFE04 collected 195 lots of seeds areas with threatened plant species NAT/GR/000104). Developed by the of the most characteristic in Minorca (Spain)” (LIFE00 NAT/ (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute plants of high mountain E/007355) ran from 2001-4. In it, the of Chania (MAICh) and the National habitats for storage in a government of Minorca (Consell Insu- and Kapodistrian University of Athens germplasm bank. lar) developed a set of comprehensive (NKUA), its aim is to adapt the PMR actions to recover the plant species concept to the province of Chania in Invasive species such as and priority habitats protected by the Western Crete. As the feature article Robinia pseudoacacia that Habitats Directive, including the draft- on the following pages shows, results threatened to colonise one ing of a network of 24 plant micro- have been impressive. Photos: E.Laguna Endangered plants in general

Greece: Conservation of endangered Cretan flora

On the island of Crete, home to one of the richest floras of all the Mediterranean islands, a LIFE- funded project has established plant micro-reserves (PMRs) as a conservation measure for seven rare plant species. Modelled on PMRs in Spain, the success of the project demonstrates how this methodology can be transferred to other plant-rich Natura 2000 sites in Europe.

The Mediterranean bio-geographi- cal region is the most bio-diverse in the European Union, with a high endemic floristic diversity con- centrated on the islands and mountains of the Medi- T S , ) C & terranean Sea. Crete E % J in particular, is con- 0 O R - sidered to have 0

2 one of the rich - 2

est diversities of

plants in Europe,- R

with an especially

high concentration of & ) C

T S endemic plant species. The main threats to these plants stem from human activi- Androcymbium rechingeri: a very rare Cretan endemic flower ties, such as tourism, farming and the grazing of farm animals, as well Crete has 14 plant species included in sites that include populations of these as uncontrolled access to important Annex II of the Habitats Directive, with plant species. Within the framework of habitats, fires, and habitat modifica- eight of these having priority conser- the LIFE project, the University of Ath- tion through deforestation, drainage vation status, and the Greek authori- ens, in collaboration with the Mediter- and climate change. ties have proposed 38 Natura 2000 ranean Agronomic Institute of Chania

Table 1- Priority plant species targeted by the LIFE project in western Crete

Plant name Description and location Androcymbium rechingeri This plant species grows on the west coast of Crete, in Falassarna and the islets of Imeri Gramvousa and Ela- fonisi (only known world locations). It is a small bulbous plant that flowers from December to February. Anthemis glaberrima This small annual plant, similar to chamomile, grows among calcareous coastal rocks on the islets of Imeri and Agria Gramvousa and is found nowhere else in the world. It is particularly threatened by tourism activities. Bupleurum This plant was first described in 1967 by the Swiss botanist Greuner. It grows on a single steep limestone cliff kakiskalae at Linoseli, in the Lefka Ori mountains (recently, a second population was discovered). It has the peculiarity of flowering once, after about 12 years of producing leaves, and then it dies. Cephalanthera cucullata This orchid only grows in the mountainous forest areas of Crete and is threatened by overgrazing. Hypericum aciferum This short, creeping shrub grows only on the coastal cliffs of Sphakia (between Sougia and Agia Roumeli), in the southwestern part of Crete. Nepeta sphaciotica This small shrub only grows on a mountainous slope, at an altitude of 2,300 metres on the northern side of the Svourichti summit of Lefka Ori. The small population of this unique plant species is susceptible to various threats, especially climate change. Phoenix theophrasti This palm tree is found only in Crete and southwest Turkey, mostly in moist sandy valleys or rocky areas in close proximity to the sea. It is known by the common names Phinikas or Vagi, and the largest known population is located in Vai, eastern Crete, an area already targeted by another LIFE project (LIFE98 NAT/GR/005264). This plant is included in Annex I and Annex II of the Habitats Directive as part of the priority habitat palm groves of Phoenix (habitat number 9370 of the Habitats Directive).

Endangered plants in general LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 21

(MAICh) and the Region of Crete-For- potential PMR areas and from these it est Directorate of Chania, proposed was decided to establish seven PMRs, the establishment of a pilot network of one for each of the target species. PMRs in western Crete (the prefecture of Chania) to support the conserva- A detailed inventory and mapping was tion of seven endemic priority plant carried out for each PMR, including species found in three of these Natura the location and densities of each spe- 2000 sites. cies. This information was then used to develop a management plan for each PMRs for seven endangered PMR. Unlike other LIFE projects con- species cerned with PMRs, this project did not foresee the purchase of land: The PMR The main objective of this LIFE project areas were already in public ownership. Fences protect against grazing, note was to promote the conservation of “This was very important,” stresses the the difference between the right side (grazed) and left side (ungrazed) seven threatened plant species that project manager, Professor Costas are endemic to the island of Crete (see Thanos, “as the owner of the land is the table 1). As the distribution range of the State (represented by the Chania For- Along with these actions, long term targeted species was so narrow, the estry Service, which was also a project monitoring plans were prepared for PMR was considered to be the most partner).” This fact simplified both the each species in order to determine the appropriate conservation and man- bureaucratic processes of acquiring factors that affect their conservation. agement tool. This approach was first permits and the implementation of the Some of the parameters monitored tested in 1994, in Valencia, Spain, and subsequent actions. included: climate conditions; soil had already been successfully applied characteristics; interaction with other in other LIFE projects (see pp. 17-19). All the PMRs were delimited and plants; the presence of animals; and The project proposed establishing a marked with signs and posts to dis- human activities. The project estab- network of PMRs in small land parcels courage trespassing and to raise lished permanent monitoring plots, (less than 20 ha), as defined by the awareness of the presence of the with meteorological and environmen- original methodology. threatened species. The B. kakiska- tal sensors (with dataloggers) and, in lae and C. cucullata PMRs were also collaboration with the Chania Forestry This network of small protected areas fenced off in order to avoid damage Service, also hired a warden to guard constitutes a management tool that from grazing. A vehicle barrier was each PMR. complements the management plans erected at the P. theophrasti PMR, for larger areas, such as those for Nat- since the area was being used to park To complement the in-situ actions, ura 2000 sites, which require conserva- vehicles. the project also implemented tion actions and strategies at a wider landscape level. A lobster pot protects the highly endangered C. cucullata against grazing This was the first experience of PMRs in Greece, but it was also recognised that, if successful, it could be more widely applied in other parts of Crete or the Greek mainland.

The first step was to gather all available information in order to establish the location and estimate the population size of the seven targeted species. It was then possible to define the number of PMRs required and to decide on their location and the area to be covered. The information collected showed that the plant species were restricted to very small areas, and were generally found in low-to-medium densities. The project pre-selected 14 Endangered plants in general

certain ex-situ ones, including the col- Species PMR locations and area covered lection and study of the germination Androcymbium rechingeri Elafonisi islet (2 ha) of seeds from the target species in Anthemis glaberrima Agria Gramvousa islet (4.5 ha) the University of Athens, in order to evaluate their viability. The seeds were Bupleurum kakiskalae Linoseli (1 ha)* also stored in the MAICh seed bank Cephalanthera cucullata Koustogerako – Mountain range of Lefka Ori (12 ha) and seedling plantations were estab- Hypericum aciferum Fournoti (6.5 ha) lished in the MAICh botanical gar- Nepeta sphaciotica Svourichti summit at Lefka Ori mountain (4.8 ha)* den, in the Alpine Botanical Garden Phoenix theophrasti Chrisoskalitissa (2.2 ha) at Omalos (mountains of Lefka Ori) * The only known worldwide populations and in the Information Centre of the Forest Directorate of Chania. These ers, leaflets and t-shirts) targeting the blocks vehicle access to the PMR ex-situ conservation measures acted general public, in particular children, and reduces the risk of fire. as a backup, as the seeds and plants and local authorities. The campaign could be used in future to restore or focused on the PMRs, highlighting Life after LIFE reinforce the natural populations of their importance in conserving the the target species. flora of Crete. Key actions included Since the completion of the LIFE the LIFE-funded Visitor Centre at the project, the beneficiary and partners The project also developed an infor- Botanical Garden of MAICh and the have continued to monitor and survey mation campaign (local events, post- Alpine Botanical Garden created at the PMRs. The increased knowledge of Omalos. the ecology of the target species, com- Bupleurum kakiskalae bined with the ex-situ actions allows Observed population growth for a better and quicker response to the different threats. The definition of Although, the conservation proce- a legal status and the implementation dures implemented by the project of the management plans by the Cha- were based on ‘mild’ actions (fenc- nia Forestry Service (Region of Crete) ing, wardening, installing signs and will also guarantee the conservation of boards) and did not involve heavy these species in the future. restoration measures, the project achieved good results in terms of In summary, LIFE funding was crucial guaranteeing the long term conser- for the conservation of seven unique vation of the target species. Along and rare plant species on the verge of with the implementation of manage- extinction. Without the support of LIFE, ment plans and continuous moni- the application of a new plant conser- toring of the plant populations, the vation methodology – PMRs – would project defined the legal status of not have been tested or transferred PMRs in Greek law, along with the as an effective conservation tool in Natura 2000 sites. The proclamation Europe. of the PMRs as “wildlife refuges” is currently being approved by the Regional authority of Crete. Project Number: LIFE04 NAT/GR/000104 Two species: B. kakiskalae and C. Title: A pilot network of plant micro- cucullata, which were particularly reserves in western Crete threatened by grazing, benefited sig- Beneficiary: National and Kapodis- nificantly from the fencing actions. In trian University of Athens 2006, the entire population amounted Contact: Prof. Costas Thanos to 69 B. kakiskalae individuals while Email: [email protected] in 2007, within the fenced area, Website: an additional 100 seedlings were http://cretaplant.biol.uoa.gr recorded. In relation to P. theophrasti, Period: Sep-2004 to Dec-2007 the population increased from 49 to Total Budget: e 932,000 55 individuals thanks to the planting e of offshoots and the barrier that now LIFE Contribution: 699,000 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 23

The Mediterranean region is home to more than 24,000 vascular plant species and includes approximately 10% of all known plant species on Earth. More than half the plant species are endemic and 80% of all European plant endemics are found in the

Mediterranean. The region is nearly as rich in endemics as tropical Africa, even though the latter is some four times larger.

However, this plant biodiversity is threatened by the rapid urbanisation of coastal zones for tourism, increasing conflicts over the use of land, the growing risk of desertifica- tion, water scarcity and forest fires. Furthermore, climate change is already affecting flora, in particular the endemic Mediterranean mountain flora.

LIFE has been funding projects that aim to improve the conservation status of the region’s unique habitats and plant species, which are considered a priority for conservation at European level. Mediterranean flora

Cyprus: conservation of unique flora and habitats

The first LIFE Nature project to be undertaken in Cyprus aimed to conserve unique habitats and plant species in Europe while promoting the implementation of the Natura 2000 network.

Natura 2000 network. Despite the current protection given by the Nat- ura 2000 network sites designation, the past and current pressures have continued to contribute to the degradation of the habitats in Annex I of the Habitats directive. These include the Cyprus endemic forest habitats of Cedrus brevifolia and Quercus alnifolia, and the – unique to the EU – Quer- cus infectoria forests and the peat and serpentinophilous grasslands habitats of the Troodos mountains, as well as four Annex II priority plant spe- Troodos mountains peat grasslands – unique habitats cies (Scilla morrisii, Arabis kennedyae, Chionodoxa lochiae and Pinguicula Cyprus has a high diversity of habitats the flora of Cyprus – considered one crystallina). A range of human threats and species, ranging from semi-desert of the richest in the eastern Mediter- has critically endangered all these habitats to peat grasslands, and pine ranean – is endangered. The main unique habitats and species. and oak forests in the mountains. threats come from past and present This diversity is boosted by a vary- human activity including: building With the aim of establishing conser- ing landscape and relative isolation, roads, agriculture, water extraction, vation actions that could secure the which has resulted in a high rate of tourism and forest fires. favourable conservation status of endemic species. these unique habitats and species in When Cyprus joined the European five Natura 2000 sites, the Environ- But human impact on Cyprus has con- Union in 2004, seven Special Pro- tributed to the depletion of the island’s tection Areas (SPAs) and 36 Sites of landscape and the degradation of its Community Importance (SCIs) were �� Species that tolerate heavy metal rich concentration soils derived from the min- natural habitats. As a result, much of proposed to be integrated into the eral serpentine

Table 1- Description of the main Natura 2000 sites targeted with project actions

Natura 2000 site Site description

Troodos National Forest Park This SCI, considered the most important area for biodiversity in Cyprus, contains a variety of habitat types (11 Annex I habitats) including four priority and endangered habitats (Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana, Quercus alnifolia, and serpentinophilus and peat grasslands). It hosts 10 Annex II species (three of them plant priority species: Arabis kennedyae, Chionodoxa lochiae and Pinguicula crystallina) and another 262 relevant plant and animal species, including a large number of endemic plants and the priority snake Columber cypriensis.

Kavo (cape) Gkreko This SCI presents 11 Annex I habitats, including the priority Zizyphus lotus mattorals, vernal pools, and the marine Posidonia beds. It hosts 400 plant species, 15 of them endemics and 71 fauna species, including the dolphins Tursiops truncatus and Stenella coeruleoalba.

Vouni Panagias The site includes eight Annex I habitat types (including the Quercus infectoria woodland) and two plant species listed in Annex II (including the priority Scilla morrissi). The site also hosts one of the known populations of the endemic snake Coluber cypriensis (Annex II priority species).

Mediterranean flora LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 25

Since approximately 75% of the terrestrial part of the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus is state forest land, the Forest Department was the obvious main partner,” says Thomas Kyriacou, an FD official responsible for some of the project actions.

The majority of the actions targeting endemic plants and habitats were implemented in the Troodos Mountains SCI. The mountains are highly attractive both during summer, because of the fresher temperatures, and winter, because of the snow. However, visitors Arabis kennedyae: a critically endan- to the area posed serious threats and gered plant species endemic to Cyprus needed to be managed. The project targeted by the project erected fences around the priority peat The insectivorous Pinguicula crystallina grasslands habitat to keep out people ment Service (Ministry of Agriculture, and vehicles, and it removed 20 picnic the forest sublevel. The P. nigra forests Natural Resources and Environment) tables. Signposts were put up on the are located on the top of the Troodos proposed the first LIFE Nature project serpentinophilous grasslands to high- mountains and are normally covered by for Cyprus. light the importance of the habitats and snow during winter. The project added prevent destructive trespassing. The fences to prevent winter sports activi- What did LIFE do? populations of the critically endangered ties taking place on the areas of the P. plants C. lochiae, the insectivorous P. nigra habitat and restored areas. The LIFE project implemented a vari- crystallina and A. kennedyae were ety of conservation actions that tar- mapped and marked with signposts. In the Kavo Gkreko SCI, the project geted several habitats and species. During the mapping process one new implemented the rehabilitation of In total, the project focused on five large (actually the largest) population of Zizyphus lotus mattoral by eliminating sites, but the most relevant actions A. kennedyae was found. Plant seeds the invasive alien plant species Acacia targeting endemic habitats and spe- were collected, and the A. kennedyae and Eucalyptus. Z. lotus seeds were cies were developed in three sites and P.crystallina populations reinforced collected and germinated for plant- (see table 1). by sowing. The project in Troodos also ing later in three distinct areas. Also enhanced the natural regeneration of in the same SCI, the project delimited Each project action was planned and Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana and planted and monitored three areas contain- implemented according to the spe- new seedlings from the FD nurseries on ing another priority habitat, the vernal cific requirements of each habitat and recent burned areas, as well as allevi- pools, which is characterised by small species and with the involvement of ating the competition pressure exerted temporary ponds only visible during several partners. The project man- by the aggressive congener P. brutia the rainy season that contain rare ager Christina Pantazi says that the on P. nigra, by removing all seedlings water-related plant species. coordination of this project posed a and saplings of the latter species from challenge, because of the complex- At Vouni Panagias the project restored ity of the actions to be implemented Vernal pools contain a high diversity of an area of more than 10 ha of Quercus and the diversity of the targeted spe- plant species infectoria oak woodland. The restora- cies and habitats. “We had to rely on tion land was granted by the monas- the knowledge of our partners,” she tery of Chrysorrogiatissa, where it was explains. “However, this is a small possible to plant 4,000 oaks. The area country and we all know each other, was fenced and a watering system and that simplified the coordination was built to increase the viability of task,” she adds. The project partner the trees during summer. In the same responsible for the bulk of the actions area as the Q.infectoria woodland, was the Forest Department (FD), the habitat of the endemic plant Scilla which is responsible for the manage- morrisii can be found. Seeds were ment of Cyprus’s state forest land. collected and 50 plants were planted Mediterranean flora

2000 sites. These guidelines were used to establish management plans for four Natura 2000 sites targeted in the project (Koilada Diarizou, Vouni Panagias, Troodos National Forest Park and Kavo Gkreco).

Overall, the project substantially contributed to the conservation of unique habitats and species on Cyprus and raised awareness about the Natura 2000 network and nature conservation issues in the country. At the Q.infectoria plantation with watering system – this stand is now the largest continuous same time, this first involvement of area of Q. infectoria in the EU local authorities with a LIFE project enhanced their capacity and laid in three sites, as part of the recovery taking place with the help of the the groundwork for the continuation plan for the species. planted seedlings and reduced dis- of nature conservation activities on turbance. Signposts pointing to the Cyprus. In Koilada Diarizou, in an area of presence of the natural values mean approximately 5 ha, the project pro- that tourists and locals tend to avoid Life after LIFE moted the natural regeneration of these areas, or at least are aware of Alnus orientalis, mainly through fenc- the importance of the unique habi- The FD and the beneficiary – which ing, in order to halt the overgrazing of tats and species. A seed bank for P. is also in charge of implementing the this riverside tree species. Also, at the nigra seeds was also established for Cyprus Natura 2000 network�� – ��are same time the Forest Department con- ex-situ conservation of the species’ now responsible for managing the tacted local farmers and explained the genetic diversity. former project areas. The monitoring importance of the habitat and asked of habitats and species will continue, for their cooperation. The restored Q.infectoria woodland along with some of the project activi- is now the largest area of this habi- ties, which will be developed by the The actions have been subject to a tat in Europe, and represents the FD with the help of national funds. monitoring program developed by the most important area for the endemic These activities include promoting the project in order to access the effec- S.morrisii. In the A. orientalis riverside regeneration of P. nigra; maintaining tiveness of the project actions and forest it is possible to see very strong the Q. infectoria woodland; eliminat- to evaluate the conservation status natural regeneration. Local shepherds ing alien plant species; and monitor- of the targeted species and habitats have been working with the FD with ing the peatland and serpentinophil- before and after the project actions. regards to the fenced areas. In Kavo ous grasslands and plant species. Gkreko, the 650 Z. lotus plants that What was the outcome? were planted now cover more than 0.8 ha where previously there were Project Number: All these actions, targeting a diversity only three plants. LIFE04 NAT/CY/000013 of sites, habitats and species all over Title: Conservation management in Cyprus, were very successful, espe- The project also established guide- Natura 2000 sites of Cyprus* cially those involving the restoration lines for the drawing up of manage- Beneficiary: Environment of the Q.infectoria woodland and the ment plans for all of Cyprus’s Natura Service, Ministry of Agriculture management of the human activities Natural Resources and Environment in the Troodos mountains. Contact: Christina Pantazi Email: [email protected]. The peat grassland area is now com- * The habitats – with Habitats Directive ref- gov.cy pletely safe from trespassing and erence number in parentheses�� – ��included Website: there are no longer visible human Quercus infectoria (93A0), Quercus alni- http://life-natura-sites.cy.net activities. This has helped habitat folia (9390), Cedrus brevifolia (9590), the Period: Nov-2004 to Apr-2008 recovery greatly. The P. nigra habitats peat (6460) and serpentinophilous (62B0) Total Budget: e 2,551,000 also have benefitted from the fencing, grasslands habitats of the Troodos moun- LIFE Contribution: e 1,531,000 and natural regeneration is already tains, as well as the vernal pools (3�70).

Mediterranean flora LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 27

Italy: Conserving the ‘critically endangered’ Sicilian fir and helping to ensure its long-term survival

The mountainous area of Polizzi Generosa within the regional park of Madonie in north-central Sicily is host to the world’s only population of the Sicilian fir (Abies nebrodensis) – a critically endangered species whose numbers by 2000 were estimated at only around 30 adult trees. The project’s achievements were twofold: firstly, during the project period (2001-2005) to effectively conserve the few remaining individuals; and secondly to substantially develop the population to help ensure its long-term survival. Photo: Michele Lischi

A Sicilian fir tree (one of 30 remaining adult individuals of Abies nebrodensis) in the Madonie Regional Park

The high rocky peaks of the Madonie ered in 1957, but confined only to a ever soil degradation of its natural mountains were once covered by the small area, just a few kilometres from habitat has made re-introduction dif- Sicilian fir, an endemic conifer, which Polizzi Generosa. Because of its rar- ficult. Other major threats to the spe- grows at around 1,500 metres on ity, this relic species is included as a cies include the poor health of speci- limestone soil. The wood of the spe- priority species in Annex II of the EU mens propagated in tree nurseries, cies can be seen used in the doors Habitats Directive. the limited population size, and the and the roof-beams of local churches. danger of forest fire. Additional threats By 1900 however, the species was Once rediscovered, foresters immedi- include hybridisation with non-native considered extinct, due to extensive ately initiated conservation measures firs resulting in genetic contamination, logging and erosion. It was rediscov- to help preserve the Sicilian fir. How- and global warming. Mediterranean flora

A nursery was developed using the seeds from the local population in order to maintain and propagate the genetic heritage of the species. A database and an information centre were also established, the former providing for the future monitoring and management of the species and the latter helping to promote increased awareness of the problems related to its conservation.

What was the outcome?

The project was very successful on a technical level, helping to secure the effective protection and survival of the 29 remaining individuals and helping Photo: Michele Lischi to improve the survival rate based on Seedlings of A.nebrodensis are cultivated in a nursery since the survival rate in nature natural reproduction (i.e. of the 30 or is so low so wildlings, or plantlets, found in the vicinity of the mother trees). What did LIFE do? Among the actions carried out in the field was the fencing of the individual In situ – the establishment of 22 The four-year “Nebrodensis” project trees: each tree was fenced within an experimental plots enabled research- was run by the park of Madonie, average area of 300 m2 and a pad- ers to identify the most suitable areas the project beneficiary, working locked gate was placed along one for the trees to be reproduced and with several stakeholders including side of the enclosure. Stonewalls were grown. ��The plots were established researchers from Palermo University, built, or restored, downhill from the at different altitudes, soil and expo- Italy (department of botany), and the plants using local stones, in order to sure conditions�� within the native area botanical garden of Valencia, Spain. reduce soil erosion. A trail that repre- and at other sites within the regional Its objective was to conserve and sented a threat to one of the trees was park. manage in situ the existing popula- moved uphill. Infested vegetation was tion of the Sicilian fir and to expand removed by hand within the fenced Ex situ – ��since the survival rate in it through ex situ management opera- areas and with the aid of machinery nature is so low, an increase of the tions. The location of the popula- outside those areas. cultivated stock was secured through tion within the 40,000-ha Madonie park SPA (Special Protection Area) Sicilian fir planted on the previously established experimental plots included in the Natura 2000 network, guarantees some level of protection for the individual trees, helping to improve their long-term viability.

The work involved the drawing up of guidelines for the conservation of the target species, its propagation, and the grafting of exotic fir trees. Sample areas for monitoring and observing particularly vulnerable stands were identified. In addition, measures were adopted to manage and improve the general conservation conditions of the habitat, to support the existing population and to increase the survival rate of natural regeneration. Photo: Michele Lischi

Mediterranean flora LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 29

the controlled use of individual nurseries, private and foreign partners, working actively in the action of conservation. For instance, the cooperation with the Spanish partner was particularly successful, enabling the transfer of a number of plantlets to the botanical garden of Valencia, where they continue to be regularly monitored. In addition, anyone can ask for a seedling of Sicilian fir, provided that the proposed transplantation site matches the required ecological conditions. The form to request the seedlings is available on the project website (see box).

Life after LIFE

In order to check on the survival rate of the trees and to assess the long-term indicators, a post-project follow-up report was carried out in November 2007 by the LIFE external Mapping and monitoring the ‘health’ of each individual monitoring team. It showed the repro- ductive potential of the target species the fertile adult individuals. tives within the park’s territory, such has greatly improved. In fact the fer- as guided tours, schools visits and tile adult individuals have increased Monitoring activities continued after tourism in general. (See the “data- by one unit (from 29 to 30) and the the end of the project, namely of the base” section of the project website number of inventoried wildlings growth and health of the adult individ- for details of the visits to the project found close to the mother trees has uals, of the natural regeneration and during its duration). This produced, increased from around 30 to more than of the seedlings raised in the nursery. among others, the effect of boost- 80. Each of the trees and wildlings is Particular care was dedicated to mon- ing the accommodation business in labelled, protected with micro stone itoring the seedlings transplanted in the area. Indeed, several “Bed and walls and regularly monitored. The the experimental plots. This revealed Breakfast” enterprises have been wildings remain quite small for many that the conservation status of the established recently. These initia- years, therefore the micro stone walls target species (intended as isolated tives appear to be sustainable in the built around the plantlets help to pro- individuals, natural regeneration and longer term. tect them from accidental stomping, transplanted seedlings) has signifi- and clearly indicate their location (e.g. cantly improved since the end of the to repeat periodical measurements). project. There are now more than Project Number: Moreover the micro stone walls pro- 3,000 seedlings available in the local LIFE00 NAT/IT/007228 tect the wildings from erosion. nursery and the vegetation and health Title: Conservation of Abies nebro- status of the plants is judged “good to densis in situ and ex situ According to the beneficiary, periodi- excellent”. Beneficiary: Ente Parco delle cal checks on the dimensions and on Madonie the expansion of the tree crowns have A number of scientific publications Contact: Salvatore Carollo revealed that they are in good health. on the species have been published Email: However, despite these highly promis- by the project. Details of these are [email protected] ing indicators, the beneficiary remains available from the project website Website: http://www.kalliope.it/ cautious, stating that a few more (see�� box).�� parcodellemadonie/progettolife/ years are needed before their survival Period: Sep-2001 to Aug-2005 is ensured. The genetic diversity has Finally, the increased awareness of Total Budget: e 1,161,000 increased thanks to the controlled the threats to the Sicilian fir favored e cross-pollination carried out among the establishment of social initia- LIFE Contribution: 871,000 Mediterranean flora

Spain: Protecting extraordinary biodiversity in the Sierra Nevada

This highly successful restoration and conservation project, located in the biodiversity-rich Sierra Nevada mountain range, helped to safeguard the habitats of 11 endangered plants and propagated most of the targeted plant species for reintroduction to their natural habitat. The LIFE team also established the management plans necessary to ensure the long-term protection of the endangered flora.

The Sierra Nevada National Park screes, stony wastes, meadows and around Granada in southern Spain pine and oak woods. contains 7% of all Mediterranean flora, boasting over 2,100 plant species, The project evaluated the plants’ con- including more than 80 unique to the servation status, established manage- region. The particularity of this undulat- ment plans for each site and imple- ing, mountainous terrain provides an mented restoration and conservation amazing diversity of habitats that have measures. The six target localities enabled this wealth of biodiversity. were included within the National Park of Sierra Nevada, thereby enjoying a Saxifraga nevadensis Most of these endangered habitats high protection status. A high altitude and species are protected by the (1,900 m) Botanical Garden was also by 2002; and the 600 re-introduced Habitats Directive. The Sierra Nevada created, holding specimens of all Senecio elodes showed survival rates is a designated pSCI (proposed Site of regional flora. Interestingly, this idea of more than 80%. Community Interest) within the Natura was replicated by another Mediter- 2000 network. Nevertheless, factors ranean LIFE-Nature project (LIFE04 Significantly, the project established, such as overgrazing (by wildlife and NAT/GR/000104) featured in this pub- through the management plans, a domestic cattle), unsustainable for- lication (see pp. 20-22). framework for the long-term protection estry activities, forest fires, illegal har- of biodiversity in the targeted sites. vesting and leisure activities are neg- Seeds and other vegetative material atively affecting the Sierra’s diverse from 203 threatened species were The project increased knowledge and flora. Now, 115 species, including 35 collected and stored in germplasm awareness about flora conservation that are endemic to the region, are banks; propagation protocols were among the general public and relevant threatened with extinction. obtained for 56 of them. Seedling professionals. Notably, it generated trials were conducted on site to rein- successful co-operation with local What did LIFE do? force or reintroduce the populations in farmers and LEADER programmes targeted areas. around the cultivation programme The four-year “Sierra Nevada” project, for Artemisia granatensis, a species led by the Andalusian Environment The project ran an information cam- threatened by over-collection because Ministry, worked to safeguard the paign to improve awareness of the of its alleged health properties. habitats of 11 endangered plants threatened species and habitats. included in Annex II of the Habitats Directive: Narcisus nevadensis; Are- What was the outcome? Project Number: naria nevadensis; Artemisia granaten- LIFE98 NAT/E/005358 sis; Centaurea gadorensis; Erigeron The project successfully propagated Title: Recovery of areas of threat- frigidus; Senecio elodes; Senecio most of the plant species targeted for ened flora in Sierra Nevada nevadensis; Erodium astragaloides; re-introduction to their natural habitat. Beneficiary: Consejería de Medio Erodium rupicola; Odontites granat- The situation of each of the 11 tar- Ambiente de la Junta de Andalucía ensis; and Laserpitium longiradium. geted species considerably improved Contact: Rafael Silva Lopez The project covered six sites in Sierra during the project and progress Email: [email protected] Nevada encompassing high-lying was made towards reducing their Period: Jan-1999 to Dec-2002 endangered status. For example, the e � Mulhacén-Alcazaba, Poqueira river, Odontites granatensis increased from Total Budget: 835,000 Monachil river woodlands, Collado de las 440 samples in 1995 to over 100,000 LIFE Contribution: e 501,000 Sabinas, Alayos de Dílar and Trevenque LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 31

Within the EU, the Macaronesian region consists of three volcanic archipelagos: the

Azores, Madeira (both Portugal) and the Canaries (Spain). The contrasting landscape and mild climate have created an ideal environment for a particularly rich flora and habitats, many of which are endemic. Although representing less than 0.3% of EU territory, the Macaronesian region contains 207 SCIs and hosts around 19% of the habitat types in Annex I of the Habitats Directive and 28% of the plants in Annex II.

LIFE has been funding a number of projects for these particular habitats and species in the Atlantic islands. Macaronesian flora

Conserving five priority species in the Canary Islands

The monteverde forest regions of the Canary Islands are home to five priority species listed in the Birds and Habitats directives. A LIFE project was carried out to reduce the risks to these species and ensure their long-term survival.

The monteverde regions consist of laurel forests and heathlands with fayal/brezal (Myrica faya and Erica arborea forests), rich habitats for the targeted species: Dorycnium spectabile, Myrica rivas-martinezii, Sam- bucus palmensis, Sideritis discolour and Isoplexis chalcantha. The main threats are urban development and traditional wood exploitation, which has led to degeneration and reduction of this habitat. It now occupies barely one-third of its original surface area, and the five plant species are especially vulnerable on account of their limited distribution. The lowering of the water table, grazing and illegal collection of specimens are also significant threats.

What did LIFE do?

The project was carried out on the islands of La Gomera, Hierro, La Photo: Elizabeth Ojeda Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria in Dorycnium spectabile habitat in Tenerife 10 Natura 2000 sites. Its objectives were to: The project beneficiary, the regional habitat in search of unknown popula- • Improve knowledge about the spe- authority, also foresaw habitat man- tions of the target species. The project cies�� and their habitats to draft the agement and control of land uses in found new populations of all of the relevant management measures. critical areas. Finally, measures to target species, and the project actions • Increase the long-term chance of make traditional uses compatible with led to an increase in the number of survival of the targeted species. conservation were also included. individuals: Dorycnium spectabile was • Reduce the impact of threats to the increased by a factor of three; Sideri- existing populations.�� What was the outcome? tis discolour and Myrica rivas-martinezii by a factor of five. To achieve these objectives, the par- The number of plants in the wild ticular bio-climates where the spe- increased dramatically as a result of The future conservation of the genetic cies occur were analysed along with the project’s actions. Targets were diversity was also boosted by estab- the genetic variability of the popula- clearly surpassed. Adequate habitat lishing two germplasm banks for tions. Reproduction and propagation management measures were imple- storing seeds. They were set up in techniques were then studied, and mented to improve the status of accordance with scientific and con- nurseries and germplasm banks were populations. servation criteria, following systematic created. Population numbers would methods that guaranteed the storage be increased through reinforcements, Also, a comprehensive survey was of the maximum representation of the reintroductions and introductions. done on every island with monteverde genetic diversity of species.

Macaronesian flora LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 33

The project’s germination trials and ronment and has already been used propagation studies also achieved by competent authorities. The ben- very satisfactory results for three spe- eficiary has advised other institutions cies. While valid protocols were not involved in conservation projects such obtained for Sambucus palmesis or as university departments, Natural Myrica rivas-martinezii, protocols for and National Parks and other islands vegetative reproduction are available administrations. It has also proposed that will allow existing genetic fea- that the target species, which are tures to be preserved. Genetics stud- already listed in regional and interna- ies were successful for all species tional lists of endangered species, be (except Sambucus palmesis), provid- included in the Spanish National List ing important practical conclusions of Endangered Species. for their future management. The first

results were attained in detailed bio- Dissemination activities included a Photo: Elizabeth Ojeda climatic modelling, which will continue successful television publicity cam- Sambucus palmesis flowers in the future as long series of data are paign. Potential conflicts with private needed to attain reliable results. landowners were avoided by working on plants) based on these guidelines mainly in public areas. Such a policy have been approved to date. The project produced a huge amount will ease future monitoring activities of new information that furthered and the habitat management initiated “The project was a key milestone for knowledge on the status, biology, by the project. the kick-off of flora conservation in the ecology, threats and conservation Canary Islands. Previous activities had needs of the species and their popu- Life after LIFE implied reacting to urgent measures lations. The infrastructure generated needed for specific species or areas by the project guarantees the continu- Since the project ended, the structure and were not structured in a planned ity of many of the activities carried out of nature conservation has completely or organised fashion. This was also and made it possible to extend simi- changed in the Canary Islands. Deci- due to the fact that there the regional lar activities to other species in the sion-making power, which was cen- government counted on very scarce Canary Islands listed as priority in the tralised at the regional government resources for nature conservation. Habitats Directive. Most require simi- level during the project implementa- With the LIFE project, an important lar measures to those started in this tion, has largely been transferred to boost to resources and personnel was project, and the experience gained the “cabildos” (island governments). attained and kept afterwards, helping through this LIFE project will ease the In spite of these changes, monitor- to maintain a line of action that contin- huge amount of work to be done. ing of the species status continues ues at present in flora conservation,” through regular censuses carried the report concluded. The methodology developed and out by the regional government of put into practise during the project is all threatened species in the Canary relevant for other flora conservation Islands. Monitoring is carried out in Project Number: projects in this Macaronesian envi- the framework of several projects LIFE97 NAT/E/004165 (AFA, SEGA, initiative for climate Title: Conservation of 5 species of Dorycnium spectabile plantation in its change, etc) and is centralised in a the Monteverde in Canaries natural habitat system called SEGAS. Beneficiary: Consejeria de Política Territorial Gobierno de Canarias An ex-post mission reported that recovery plans had been drafted for Contact: Manuel González Martín all the species of the project though Email: manuel.gonzalezmartin@ none has yet been approved. How- gobiernodecanarias.org ever, since the LIFE project ended, Website: http://www.gobiernodeca- these drafts have been used to draw narias.org/cmayot/medioambiente/ medionatural/biodiversidad/vidasil- up “Methodological guidelines for the vestre/life9.html elaboration of plans for threatened Period: species in the Canary Islands”, a Jan-1998 to Dec-2000 reference document for the manage- e ment of other endangered species. Total Budget: 599,000 Fifteen recovery plans (including 11 LIFE Contribution: e 449,000 Photo: Elizabeth Ojeda Macaronesian flora

Portugal: Restoring the laurel forest of Madeira

The Madeira Archipelago contains a large area of native laurel forest, a priority habitat according to the Habitats Directive and home to several endemic and priority fauna species. Five LIFE projects have helped to restore this forest, which is threatened by land conversion for agriculture, woodcutting, cattle grazing, forest fires and invasive species.

Laurissilva (laurel forest) is con- rea, supports flora and fauna of Rats not only live on food resources sidered primeval forest and dates outstanding value, including several from the forest (plants, shoots, ber- back to the Tertiary period when it species endemic to Macaronesia ries and seeds) but also prey heav- covered vast expanses of southern and Madeira, such as the Madeira ily on birds, the main vehicle for Europe and North Africa. The ice laurel pigeon, Columba trocaz. spreading seeds and consequently ages brought about a drastic reduc- one of the natural mechanisms of tion in the area of distribution, now The area of forest has shrunk progres- forest regeneration. confined to the islands in the biogeo- sively since the discovery of the archi- graphical region of Macaronesia and pelago. To reverse this trend, the main In the late 1990s, the invading exotic certain pockets in southern Morocco pockets of laurel forest are now pro- plant Kahili ginger (Hedychium gard- and on the coast of West Africa. tected as part of the Madeira nature nerianum) went through a phase of reserve and a proposed Natura 2000 rapid colonisation of new and exten- Nowadays the most extensive and site (pSCI Laurissilva da Madeira). sive areas along the lower border of best preserved expanse of laurel for- the forest, endangering its regenera- est is found on the island of Madeira. Yet despite being a priority habitat tion and expansion. These points of Found at an altitude of 300 to 1,300 according to the Habitats Directive, degradation also hindered the native m, the laurel forest grows in parts of serious dangers still threaten the for- fauna. the island where thick fogs are fre- est’s existence. One set of threats quent and rainfall and humidity are comes from human activities, includ- high (minimum of 1,700 mm/year ing land conversion for agriculture, Laurissilva forest on the north slopes and average 85%, respectively). illegal wood extraction and intensive of Madeira island This biotope, frequently dominated grazing by livestock (as well as forest by Laurus azorica and Clethra arbo- fires). A second set of threats includes the spread of non native fauna (rats) and invasive alien plants.

Macaronesian flora LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 35 Photos: R.Jardim, JB Madeira Photos: R.Jardim,

Andryala crithmifolia (left) and Chamaemeles coriacea (right): plant species targeted by LIFE99 NAT/P/00643�

What did LIFE do? Partly running in parallel with this forest and from key areas outside project, the LIFE project “Measures it. However, the aim of total eradi- Between 1994 and 2003, LIFE sup- for the management and conserva- cation from a “sanitary belt” around ported five separate projects for the tion of the laurel forest of Madeira” the forest was not achieved, nor conservation and restoration of areas (LIFE97 NAT/P/004082 – February was the whole set of exotics tack- of Madeira’s native laurel forest, and 1998 to January 2000) aimed to led. However, three jobs were cre- its flora and fauna . As part of the eradicate the main invading plant ated as a consequence of LIFE and initial project (“Urgent measures for species and assess the extent of a permanent exotics fighting team the conservation and recovery of damage caused by rats. (supported by national funds) is now species and habitats of important at work on this task, helped by the community interest of the Madeira This project partly achieved its Portuguese army. The assessment Archipelago” – LIFE94/P/A222/ objectives: the most invasive of the of damages caused by rats was not P/01052/MAD) 350 ha of excellent exotics, Hedychium gardnerianum, concluded and only preliminary con- quality laurel forest was purchased was removed both from the laurel clusions were drawn. with a view to implementing management measures for the preservation of this priority habitat. The LIFE project “Recovery of priority habitats and species of Madeira” (LIFE98 NAT/P/005236), which ran from

October 1998 to September 2000, JB Madeira Photo: R.Jardim, was a continuation of the first project and aimed to improve on some of its actions. Measures taken included the purchase of 325 ha of land with good quality forest, the management of herding and tourism activities and the creation of a surveillance centre in a strategic location.

Recovering seeds in Pico Branco, Porto Santo island Macaronesian flora Photos: R.Jardim, JB Madeira Photos: R.Jardim,

Endangered plant species of the Madeira laurel forest: Cheirolophus massonianus (left) Jasminum azoricum (centre) and Pittosporum coriaceum (right)

Other flora in the forest The project successfully established The Funduras project a germplasm bank containing seed The laurel forest is also home to other and vegetative material of the eight The fifth LIFE Nature project ran from rare flora. The LIFE project “Conserva- priority species, thereby helping to January 2000 to December 2003. The tion of priority and rare plant species conserve genetic variability. aims of “Restoration of the laurel forest of Madeira” (LIFE99 NAT/P/006431 in Funduras” (LIFE99 NAT/P/006436) – October 1999 to September 2003) Two species, Jasminum azoricum included protecting the local ecosys- set out to save eight priority rare and and Cheirolophus massonianus, tem against the collection of species endemic species from extinction. were successfully reintroduced in and tree cutting, reducing the risk of These species were: the wild, while a third, Aichryson forest fires, and disseminating the • Aichryson dumosum domusum, was found to be present native biological heritage and raising • Andryala crithmifolia in such numbers that reintroduction awareness about the importance of its • Chamaemeles coriacea was deemed unnecessary. It was conservation. • Cheirolophus massonianus however reproduced in the Botani- • Madeira morning glory (Convolvu- cal Garden of Madeira for research As a result of an agreement with the lus massonii) purposes. local rangers that survey the area, • Geranium maderense together with a technician hired by • Azores jasmine (Jasminum azori- The project also succeeded in partially the project and integrated into the cum) restoring the habitat in Pico Branco regional forestry department, spe- • Pittosporum coriaceum. that houses many of the species. cies collection has been successfully avoided. Aichryson dumosum: found only on a cliff on the south slope of Madeira island This LIFE project has also increased the local population’s knowledge of the importance of the area of laurel forest and two INTERREG III-B projects have since taken place with the aims of promoting walking tourism and describing in detail the Funduras area within the Natura 2000 network.

Life after LIFE

It should be noted that the restoration of areas invaded by alien species is a slow and long-term task. However, with the support of LIFE, Madeira is taking strides towards achieving that long-term goal. Photo: R.Jardim, JB Madeira Photo: R.Jardim, LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 37

RestorationRestoration of ofhabitats habitats Many endangered plant species are narrow-range endemic species with special habi-

tat requirements. Their conservation status is highly dependent on the status of the

habitat. Thus, the restoration and management of their habitats is crucial for their sur-

vival. Some LIFE projects have been restoring endangered plant species habitats, and

at the same time promoting conservation actions on- and off-site in order to guarantee

the long-range conservation of the plant species. Restoration of habitats

Austria: Lake Constance forget-me- not flourishes in Bregenz once more thanks to LIFE-Nature

Restoration and renaturation works by an Austrian LIFE-Nature project along a stretch of the Lake Constance shoreline have helped to ensure the long-term survival of Myosotis rehsteineri – a forget-me-not species endemic to the region. The designated Natura 2000 site gained its regional protection status in 2003. The work carried out by the LIFE team was commended in accompanying documentation for this process.

Myosotis rehsteineri: endemic to the gravel shores of Lake Constance

The Lake Constance forget-me-not sheen. Unfortunately, this specta- What did LIFE do? (Myosotis rehsteineri) as the name sug- cular sight has become increasingly gests, is found in the Lake Constance rare. One reason for the species’ The main objective of the LIFE- region, which straddles Austria, Ger- decline in Bregenz is that up until the Nature project was to restore 2,600 many and Switzerland. Here, in the 1990s, large amounts of gravel were metres of eroding lakeshore near the lake’s natural flood plain, it thrives extracted from the lake for building city of Bregenz in Austria, to help the on the gravel banks built up during projects. Over time, the broad gra- survival of Myosotis rehsteineri, as the postglacial period, from pebbles vel banks that used to gently slope well as to preserve other important washed down by the Alpine rivers. down into the lakes gradually disap- habitats and species found in the peared and were replaced by unsta- erosion zone. At the same time, the In early spring when the Lake ble, steep slopes where the motion gravel deposited under water would Constance forget-me-not blooms of the waves rolls the gravel to and serve as spawning ground for fish. – and when lake water levels are at fro unimpeded – leaving little chance their lowest – strips of the shoreline for the delicate gravel bank flora to The project was run by Amt der Lan- used to be carpeted with a light blue take hold. deshauptstadt Bregenz, the depart-

Restoration of habitats LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 39

ment of the Austrian city of Bregenz responsible for environment and conservation issues. Using a technique that had already been successfully applied on the German (western) side of the lake, as part of the actions of an earlier LIFE-Nature project, “Biotope-Network Westli- cher Untersee – Lake Constance” (LIFE99 NAT/D/005940), the technical restoration works to stabilise the Bregenz shoreline were implemented during the four winters of the project period (April 2001 to May 2005), to avoid damaging the sensitive plant life on the shore.

A line of coarse pebbles was laid along the low-water mark (to absorb the shock of the breaking waves). Then the space between this line and the original shoreline was filled with a A line of coarse pebbles was laid along the low-water mark (to absorb the shock of the thin layer of finer gravel, similar to the breaking waves) shore sediment that was previously found here and that had originally this technique during the low-water species was easy to artificially pro- been the habitat of the forget-me- periods each winter. Completed pagate. As a result, more than 1,650 not. The choice of grain size of the in 2005, the works are only visible specimens were produced within a gravel used for the outer border and during times of extremely low water few months. These were then rein- the shallow infill depended on the levels. troduced to certain sections of the inclination of the slope and the wave shoreline within the project’s wider forces expected at that point. The Through collaboration with the local restoration actions. approximately 2,600 m long lakes- municipal plant nursery, the project hore was successfully treated using team also demonstrated that the Over the course of the project, the beneficiary faced two major pro- The project added finer gravel, similar to the original habitat of the forget-me-not blems. Firstly, there was political and social pressure to weaken the protection status of the site, which is situated in a popular tourist area, partly within the city of Bregenz. And, secondly, once the restoration was achieved, visitor pressure increased, generating a need for management of these visitors to avoid trampling and disturbance.

The project dealt with both these problems successfully by carrying out intensive public relations, communications and visitor guidance work. For example, “UferNatur”, a visitor guidance and information programme launched at the end of 2000, was expanded considerably under LIFE. Panels, an educational nature trail, seasonal brochures, Restoration of habitats

information and thematic posters, maps and advertisements were produced informing visitors and the local population about the protection status and the code of conduct for the protected area. Information material included a video film “Grillfest meets Haubentaucher” (“Barbeque meets Great crested grebe”), dealing with tourist pressure and its impact on the designated Natura 2000 site. A project website, designed and maintained by secondary school students, remains open – providing further details on the LIFE project.

What was the outcome?

In 2003, the designated Natura 2000 site gained its regional protection status. The conservation work carried out by the LIFE-Nature team was commended in accompanying documentation for this process. The fol- Planting Myosotis on recovered areas lowing year, thanks to the restoration of its habitat and the artificial pro- ted as a stable population with “very Finally, other habitats (not listed in pagation of the plant, some 83,000 good” long-term prospects. the Habitats Directive) that benefited individuals of the Lake Constance from the project are reedbeds (9.12 forget-me-not species were counted The project also brought indirect ha; breeding and resting habitats for in the project area. This was evalua- benefits to a number of habitats lis- bird species) and gravelly/sandy sho- ted in the Habitats Directive, inclu- relines (10.23 ha), which are potential ding: Molinia meadows on chalk and expansion habitats for the delicate clay (3.61 ha); transition mires and lakeshore vegetation, and therefore quaking bogs (0.05 ha); alkaline fens of eminent importance for the long- (0.23 ha); residual alluvial forests term maintenance of the endemic Alnion-glutionoso-incanae (1.4 ha); forget-me-not. and mixed oak-elm-ash forests of great rivers (a few hectares). While all of these habitats are scattered and small, they host a number of Annex Project Number: II species, for example, large blues LIFE00 NAT/A/007069 (Maculinea) and fire-bellied toad Title: Protecting the habitat of (Bombina) species, as well as Annex Myosotis rehsteineri in Bregenz I birds such as the bittern (Botaurus Beneficiary: stellaris) and the kingfisher (Alcedo Amt der Landeshautpstadt Bregenz atthis). The benefits for these habi- Contact: Gerold Ender tats stemmed from the reduction of Email: trampling and disturbance resulting [email protected] from the visitor guidance measures Website: implemented by the project. www.bregenz.at/index.php?id=1066 Period: Apr-2001 to May-2005 Total Budget: e 2,040,000 Myosotis in bloom on previously planted areas LIFE Contribution: e 1,020,000

Restoration of habitats LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 41

Germany: The Benningen Marsh

A LIFE-Nature project in Bavaria has successfully restored parts of the Benningen Marsh (Benniger Ried). This ecologically valuable calcareous fen is home to rare plants, including the world’s only confirmed population of Armeria purpurea.

The Benningen Marsh, located the core zone that he would do nature between the towns of Benningen and restoration works on his property. Memmingen in Bavaria, Southern Germany, is a 22 ha calcareous fen The project removed succession over- and petrifying springs complex with growth and non-indigenous trees, in expanses of water where ground- particular conifers, to reduce water loss water reaches the surface. The site, through evapo-transpiration. Scattered a priority habitat for conservation plots of black sedge were scooped out included in Annex 1 of the Habitats to create mosaics of open patches into directive, contains rare plants such which tufa mosses and Armeria could as Armeria maritime ssp. purpurea, spread. To further help the spread of a magenta-coloured wildflower found Armeria, the project team cut openings only in this location, and the creeping in tree belts to let pollinating insects marshwort (Apium repens). However, enter the core zone. Armeria maritime subsp. purpurea on over decades, pressure from hous- calcareous fens ing and agriculture had changed the Public relations work was carried out to quality and percolation volume of raise awareness amongst the local com- European tree frogs (Hyla arborea) the groundwater in the area. Open munity and visitors of the value of this benefited from restoration work springs had become overgrown with forgotten site. This included publishing around their breeding ponds. trees and shrubs. Tufts of black sedge brochures and reports and establishing (Schoenus nigricans) formed a thick a visitor observation point. The data collected during and in choking mat around the Armeria and parallel with the LIFE project greatly tufa mosses (Cratoneurion).There was What was the outcome? increased knowledge of the site. Many practically no active management of rare invertebrate species were found, the site and the local population was The LIFE project has led to a major such as Neumania verrucosa. The largely unaware of the rare habitats improvement to the site’s conservation project has also massively raised the and species on its doorstep. status.The hydrological project works profile of the pSCI and its rare species (boulder dams, groynes and a reduc- amongst the local public. What did LIFE do? tion in the frequency of ditch cleaning) brought about a 10-20 cm increase in Project Number: In 1996, the LIFE-Nature “Benningen” the water level and increased calcium LIFE96 NAT/D/000304 project was set up to preserve and carbonate precipitation, both prereq- Title: Protection and development of improve the core zone as an ecologi- uisites for the expansion of the tufa Benningen Marsh (Benninger Ried) cally valuable calcareous fen, while mosses and Armeria. In the patches Beneficiary: Bayerisches creating a buffer zone of humid mead- where the black sedge was removed, Staatsministerium für Umwelt, ows around it by rehumidification. new growth of Cratoneurion and Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz, Armeria was observed. Other spe- Bavaria, Germany A detailed hydrogeological survey was cies besides Armeria were found to Contact: Harald Lippert used to determine the exact hydro- have increased in number, including Email: logical measures that needed to be the plant Bartsia alpina, the narrow- [email protected] taken. The beneficiary and partners mouthed whorl snail (Vertigo angus- Website: purchased or leased 38 ha of land, tior) and hygrophile grasshoppers. www.LIFE-natur.de (with video) and an agreement was struck with Period: the owner of a further 11 ha of land in The blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura Jan-1996 to Aug-2003 pumilio) returned to the site in 2003 Total Budget: e 386,000 after a 10-year absence. Both the � This species is not included in the Habi- LIFE Contribution: e 227,000 tats directive dragonflies and the population of Restoration of habitats

Romania: Restoring forest habitats, preventing soil erosion and guarding against avalanches

Located in the Pietrosul Rodnei Biosphere Reserve, part of the Rodnei National Park in the Carpathian mountains in northern Romania, this project targeted the restoration of two seriously threatened alpine forest habitats: mixed cembra pine/spruce forests and mugo pine shrublands. The actions were implemented on the avalanche-prone slopes of Mount Pietrosul Rodnei. In the short term the project achieved its restoration objectives for the targeted habitats. In the longer term the LIFE actions will play an important role in helping to guard against soil erosion and future avalanches.

The 6,415-ha Pietrosul biosphere Among the habitats of Community 40 over-aged trees remaining, the reserve, now also a proposed Natura interest in the reserve, forests are the species population has now become 2000 site, hosts a number of habitats most seriously degraded, surviving almost extinct locally. and species of Community interest, in some cases only ��in ��small patches. some of which have become dam- Some tree species, such as the cem- In Romania, the cembra pine grows, aged by human activities. The main bra pine (Pinus cembra) and mugo together with mugo pine and spruce, threats include tourism (e.g. skiing, pine (Pinus mugo) only survive at 1% at high altitudes (1,600-2,000 metres). hiking, mountaineering), selective and 21% respectively, of their former It also occurs in the Polish, Ukrainian logging, livestock-grazing and dis- area. In the past, a large population and Slovak Carpathians, as well as turbance from hunting, for example of cembra pine was present in the the Austrian, Swiss, French and Italian of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). targeted area, but with only around Alps. The species’ habitat, which has a

Pinus mugo and Pinus cembra habitat in Pietrosul Rodnei, Oriental Carpathians Photo: Frank Vassen

Restoration of habitats LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 43

The conservation of other flora and fauna was also tackled through the drawing up and execution of a management plan for the whole reserve, backed up by surveillance and monitoring. Ahead of the planting of the seedlings, a chalet refuge was built. During the project implementation, the chalet housed the workers, project team, and researchers – providing shelter during activities such as the seedlings’ plantation, the scientific inventory of the woody, herbaceous, bird and carnivore species and GIS measurements. Since the project ended, the chalet has been put to use by the National Park, mainly by the park warden.

Photo: Frank Vassen A GIS distribution map was also Pinus mugo tree planted at an altitude of �,800 m prepared for the forest, herbaceous, and stony habitats in the reserve. priority status according to the Habitats and mugo pine habitats in a 50-ha The planting, together with its asso- Directive, is important for a number of area, located mainly on the very steep ciated activities, proved to be the reasons, including reforestation in the (40-60°) northern slopes of Mt. Piet- most laborious and difficult of tasks. sub-Alpine zone, and landscaping. rosul Rodnei, (rising to 2,303 metres For example, sticks and seedlings Its wood is used for the manufacture it is the highest peak in the Rodnei were transported from Borsa (650 m of furniture and crafts, and its seeds mountains). The work included the elevation) to the project area (1,800 are one of the most important food planting of seedlings originating m elevation) along a very treacher- resources for the bird species, the nut- from neighbouring areas within the ous path, using a primitive caterpillar cracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). reserve, with similar genetic origin track. The sticks, used for field mark- and environmental requirements. ing of the seedlings, were carried on The distributional trend of another priority habitat, Pinus mugo and This chalet was built to shelter the LIFE project team and park warden Rhododendron hirsutum shrubland, is also decreasing in the Pietrosul. When allowed to grow naturally, its continuous carpet effect helps guard against soil erosion. However, during the 1970s, the P. mugo carpet was cut over a large area in the Pietrosul to create land for livestock grazing. As a result, the area has become more prone to avalanches. For example, in 1996 an avalanche killed four hikers within the LIFE project area.

What did LIFE do?

The four-year LIFE-Nature project was run by ICAS – the Romanian Institute for Forest Management and Research – and the Maramures Forest State Administration. The project’s main objective was the recovery of the cembra pine/spruce Restoration of habitats

workers’ back to the planting area. Another laborious task was the dig- ging of the seedling beds in spring and the planting in autumn.

An awareness-raising campaign was launched at the start of the project, which continued throughout the project period.

What was the outcome?

The project’s main achievement was the successful reintroduction of cembra pine and its restoration together with the mugo pine and spruce on 50-ha. In total, 15,500 seedlings were used for the restoration instead of the 10,000 foreseen. The monitoring of the restoration work confirmed that the correct methodology was Transporting the sticks for field marking the seedlings was an arduous task used, as shown by the high survival rate of seedlings. the national park. The plan includes beneficiary also organised an inter- economic and conservation activi- national IUFRO conference (37 par- Another major output was the man- ties for the sustainable development ticipants from 11 countries) focusing agement plan setting out actions of the area with special emphasis to on pines, including cembra pine. to be taken during the project and specific actions regarding the resto- establishing a working framework for ration of woody habitats and conser- Life after LIFE long-term conservation and manage- vation of all flora and fauna habitats. ment of the reserve. After the estab- This action involved consultation with The project’s after-LIFE conserva- lishment of the national park in 2004, local administrators, stakeholders tion plan foresees a continuation of the scope of this plan was extended and local residents, and the organi- activities initiated during the LIFE from the foreseen area of the bio- sation of three workshops, the last of project, especially maintenance of sphere reserve to the entire area of which took place in May 2007. The seedlings and young plants and the monitoring of the success of restora-

Project manager Ioan Blada (left) shows the pines planted on the restored area tion actions.

Project Number: LIFE03 NAT/RO/000027 Title: Restoration forest habitats from Pietrosul Rodnei Biosphere Reserve Beneficiary: ICAS-Forest Research and Management Institute Contact: Ioan Blada Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.icassv.ro/life_pietrosu/ Period: Jun-2003 to Jun-2007 Total Budget: e 213,000 LIFE Contribution: e 107,000

Restoration of habitats LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 45

Czech Republic: Preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the Moravian Karst

Located in the southernmost part of the Moravian Karst, one of the most attractive areas in the Czech Republic, the LIFE ‘Rupicolous’ was a complex, but highly successful project. It featured a series of interrelated actions targeting sub-pannonic steppic grasslands that contain the endangered plant forest habitats.

Hády Hill, rising to 423 metres above What did LIFE do? sea level, dominates the landscape to the northeast of Brno, the second larg- The project was managed by the est city in the Czech Republic. The site project beneficiary, Land Trust Hády, is situated in the southernmost part of a local nature conservation organisa- the Moravian Karst, a limestone area tion. Its main objective was the resto- of caves and small underground rivers, ration and sustainable management of which is one of the most beautiful and some 150 ha of the Hády’s natural and most visited areas in the country. The semi-natural vegetation, a haven for presence of lime and the flow of the some very rare thermophilous plants

Svratka river, which cuts a deep valley, and habitats. This was achieved by KingsbraeGarden Credit: have contributed to creating the ideal a series of interrelated actions. For Pulsatilla grandis: a species targeted by conditions for a high concentration example, in order to safeguard the the project of thermophilous plant species and most endangered flora and fauna, the habitats. Several of these are included beneficiary purchased 5 ha of land planting seedlings of oak, lime tree, in the Habitats Directive: Echium rus- close to the Hády quarry. Abandoned sycamore and common maple. Tradi- sicum and Pulsatilla grandis (Annex II) pastures with sub-pannonic steppic tional grazing was also successfully re- and Cypripedium calceolus (Annex V), grasslands were restored and tradi- established to maintain the grasslands sub-pannonic steppic grasslands, pan- tional sheep grazing re-established. and woodlands. On a small (2 ha) area, nonian white oak woods, pannonian Restoration actions included the Norway spruce trees were removed in oak hornbeam forests, lime alder for- removal of invasive tree species and order to restore the lime alder forests ests of slopes, screes and ravines and scrub vegetation and the introduction of slopes, screes and ravines and cal- calcareous scree (all of which are listed of appropriate grazing management. careous screes of hill and montane lev- in Annex I). Several developments were els in lower parts of the valley. threatening the unique biodiversity of What was the outcome? this area. A move away from traditional Project Number: agriculture and grazing methods had The project was successful and its LIFE04 NAT/CZ/000015 led to overgrowth on pastures and the achievements have gone beyond what Title: Restoration of thermophilous invasion of alien species such as black was expected at the outset – i.e. some habitats in the Moravian Karst locust (Robinia pseudacacia), common 12 ha of land in and around the Hády Beneficiary: Land Trust Hády (Local ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Norway quarry was bought from the mining Chapter of the Czech Union for spruce (Picea abies). Furthermore, the company, Českomoravský Cement. Nature Conservation) priority habitats and species were being The two Annex II priority plant species Contact: Václav Izák endangered by the existence of lime- Echium russicum and Pulsatilla gran- Email: stone quarries that gradually destroyed dis now grow on this land. To favour [email protected] the unique steppe grasslands. Follow- the expansion of the dry grassland Website: ing the closure of the quarry at Hády habitats and white oak forests, inva- http://psh.ecn.cz/index2.htm in 1998, the area was abandoned and sive species (in particular black locust Period: had become overgrown. and common ash) were eliminated Oct-2004 to Dec-2007 over 56 ha ( the original proposal was e 550,000 for 25 ha). The natural succession of Total Budget: � Plant species that thrive in a warm envi- e ronment the vegetation was encouraged by LIFE Contribution: 412,000 Further projects focusing on endangered plants

The table below provides further examples of LIFE projects focusing on endangered plants. For more information on individual projects, visit the online database at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm. The database provides useful, detailed search fields – for example under “species” users may search plant and mosses species under “Pteridophyta”, “Lower plants”, “Gymnospermae” and ”Angiospermae”

Country Number Name Annex II targeted plant species Austria LIFE00 NAT/A/007069 Protecting the habitat of Myosotis rehsteineri in Myosotis rehsteineri Bregenz Cyprus LIFE04 NAT/CY/000013 Conservation management in Natura 2000 sites of Alnus orientalis¤ Cyprus Arabis kennedyae* Chionodoxa lochiae* Pinguicula crystallina* Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana¤ Posidonia oceanica¤ Quercus alnifolia¤ Quercus infectoria¤ Scilla morrisii* Zizyphus lotus¤ Czech LIFE04 NAT/CZ/000015 Restoration of thermophilous habitats in the Echium russicum Republic Moravian Karst Pulsatilla grandis Finland LIFE00 NAT/FIN/007059 Conservation of Cypripedium calceolus and Cypripedium calceolus Saxifraga hirculus in northern Finland Saxifraga hirculus France LIFE96 NAT/F/003200 The Mediterranean holm oak grove integrated Centaurea corymbosa management LIFE99 NAT/F/006332 Priority species, chalk grasslands and scree in the Viola hispida* lower Seine valley catchment area Biscutella neustriaca* LIFE00 NAT/F/007273 For a conservatory management of the laricio pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio var. habitats corsicana¤ LIFE06 NAT/F/000137 Rescue of Viola hispida and Biscutella neustriaca in Viola hispida* the Seine valley Biscutella neustriaca* Germany LIFE96 NAT/D/003042 Protection and development of the population of Jurinea cyanoides* Jurinea cyanoides (Silberscharte) in the typical plan association on continental dunes (Sandgrasheiden) near Volkach LIFE96 NAT/D/003043 Protection and development of the Benningen Apium repens Marsh (Benniger Ried) LIFE02 NAT/D/008457 Restoration of a freshwater section of the estuary of Oenanthe conioides* the River Elbe especially for Oenanthe conioides LIFE04/NAT/D/000025 Living Rhine floodplain near Karlsruhe Marsilea quadrifolia Greece LIFE99 NAT/GR/006497 Amelioration and conservation of Rouva’s Forest Zelkova abelicea on Idi Mountain Cephalanthera cucullata* LIFE04 NAT/GR/000104 A pilot network of plant micro-reserves in western Androcymbium rechingeri* Crete Anthemis glaberrima* Bupleurum kakiskalae* Cephalanthera cucullata* Hypericum aciferum* Nepeta sphaciotica* Phoenix theofrasti LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 47

Country Number Name Annex II targeted plant species Hungary LIFE02 NAT/H/008630 The practical protection of Angelica palustris Angelica palustris habitats LIFE06 NAT/H/000104 Conservation of the Pannon endemic Dianthus Dianthus diutinus* diutinus Italy LIFE97 NAT/IT/004163 Conservation acts for Apennine Abies alba and Abies alba¤ Picea excelsa forests and Apennine beech forests Picea excelsea¤ with Abies alba Taxus baccata¤ LIFE99 NAT/IT/006217 EOLIFE99 - Conservation of priority plant species Bassia saxicola* in the Aeolian Islands Cytisus aeolicus* Ophrys lunulata* Silene hicesiae* LIFE00 NAT/IT/007228 Conservation of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac) Mattei Abies nebrodensis* in situ and ex situ LIFE03 NAT/IT/000160 Preservation of Taxus and Ilex central Apennine Taxus baccata¤ beech-wood LIFE04 NAT/IT/000182 Preservation and extension of priority habitats Aster sorrentinii* damaged by agricultural activity LIFE04 NAT/IT/000190 Conservation actions in NATURA 2000 sites mana- Abies alba¤ ged by the State Forest Service Pinus nigra subsp. laricio¤ LIFE04 NAT/IT/000191 Conservation of Apennine beech forests with Abies Abies alba¤ alba SIC Pigelleto - M. Amiata Taxus baccata¤ Portugal LIFE98 NAT/P/005229 Asphodelus bento-rainhae - measures to manage Asphodelus bento-rainhae* and preserve it LIFE98 NAT/P/005234 Conservation of four rare species in pSCI Culcita macrocarpa (Valongo) Trichomanes speciosum LIFE99 NAT/P/006431 Conservation of priority and rare plant species of Aichryson dumosum Madeira Andryala crithmifolia Chamaemeles coriacea* Cheirolophus massonianus Convolvulus massonii* Geranium maderense* Jasminum azoricum Pittosporum coriaceum* LIFE99 NAT/P/006441 Montados of the Cabeção Site: management of Halimium verticillatum habitats and species LIFE02 NAT/P/008480 National plan for conservation of endangered plants Convovulus fernandesii* (first phase) Linaria ricardoi* Marsilea quadrifolia Narcisus scaberulus Omphalodes kuzinskyanae Tuberaria major* Plantago algarbinesis Plantago almogravensis Romania LIFE99 NAT/RO/006391 Conservation of a Euro-Siberian wood with oak Narcissus poeticus subsp. (Quercus robur) radiiflorus LIFE03 NAT/RO/000027 Restoration forest habitats from Pietrosul Rodnei Pinus cembra¤ biosphere reserve Pinus mugo¤ Picea abies¤ LIFE04 NAT/RO/000225 Forests with Pinus nigra banatica - part of NATURA Pinus nigra subsp. banatica 2000 Country Number Name Annex II targeted plant species Slovenia LIFE04 NAT/SI/000240 NATURA 2000 in Slovenia – management models Pulsatilla grandis and information system Spain LIFE96 NAT/E/003096 Conservation of 13 endangered plant species in Androsace pyrenaica Aragon (Spain) Boleum asperum Borderea chouardii* Centaurea pinnata* Cypripedium calceolus Hamatocaulis vernicosus (moss) Lythrum flexuosum* Orthotrichum rogeri (moss) Petrocoptis montsicciana Petrocoptis pseudoviscosa Puccinellia pungens Riella helicophylla (moss) Sideritis javalambrensis Spain LIFE97 NAT/E/004165 Conservation of five species of the Monteverde in Dorycnium spectabile* the Canary Islands Myrica rivas-martinezii* Isoplexis chalcantha* Sambucus palmensis* Sideritis discolor* Spain LIFE98 NAT/E/005358 Recovery of areas of threatened flora in Sierra Narcisus nevadensis* Nevada Arenaria nevadensis* Artemisia granatensis* Centaurea gadorensis Erigeron frigidus Senecio elodes* Senecio nevadensis Erodium astragaloides* Erodium rupicola* Odontites granatensis Laserpitium longiradium LIFE99 NAT/E/006417 Conservation of priority habitats in the Valencian Riella helicophylla (moss) Community Silene hifacensis* LIFE00 NAT/E/007355 Conservation of areas with threatened species of Anthyllis hystrix flora on the island of Minorca Apium bermejoi* Centaurea balearica* Daphne rodriguezii* LIFE03 NAT/E/0000064 Managing and adding value to three high-mountain Juniperus sabina¤ Valencian habitats Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii¤ Taxus baccata¤ LIFE03 NAT/E/000059 Integral management of the habitats of Northwest Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii¤ region of the Murcia Province Juniperus thurifera¤ LIFE04 NAT/E/000064 Restoration of Juniperus spp. forests on Tenerife Juniperus turbinata subsp. canariensis¤ LIFE04 NAT/E/0000044 Recovery of the littoral sand dunes with Juniper spp Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. in Valencia macrocarpa¤ LIFE05 NAT/E/000067 Conservation and restoration of Aiako Harria LIC Soldanella villosa (ES2120016)

* Priority species for conservation ¤ Annex I habitat LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s endangered plants I p. 49

Available LIFE publications

LIFE-Focus brochures Other publications

A number of LIFE publications are LIFE, Natura 2000 and the military Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2006-2007 available on the LIFE website: (2005 - 86 pp. – ISBN 92-894-9213-9 (2007, 44 pp.-ISBN 978-92-79-06699-3 – ISSN 1725-5619) ISSN 1725-5619) LIFE and Europe’s wetlands: Restoring http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ a vital ecosystem (2007 - 68 pp. - ISBN publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ publications/lifepublications/bestprojects 978-92-79-07617-6) documents/military_en.pdf documents/bestenv07.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE for birds: 25 years of the Birds LIFE-Third Countries 1992-2006 (2007, documents/wetlands.pdf Directive: the contribution of LIFE- 64 pp. – ISBN 978-92-79-05694-9 – ISSN Nature projects (2004 - 48 pp. – ISBN 1725-5619) LIFE and waste recycling: Innovative 92-894-7452-1 – ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ waste management options in Europe http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ (2007 - 60 pp. - ISBN 978-92-79-07397-7) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/TCY_lr.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ documents/birds_en.pdf publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2005- documents/recycling.pdf The air we breathe: LIFE and the Euro- 2006 (2006, 40 pp. ISBN 92-79-02123-0) pean Union clean air policy (2004 - 32 pp. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE and Europe’s rivers: Protecting – ISBN 92-894-7899-3 – ISSN 1725-5619) publications/lifepublications/bestprojects/ and improving our water resources http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ documents/bestenv06_lr.pdf (2007 – 52pp. ISBN 978-92-79-05543-0 publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ - ISSN 1725-5619) documents/lifeair_hr.pdf LIFE-Environment 1992-2004 “Dem- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ onstrating excellence in environmen- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE-Nature: communicating with tal innovation” (2005, 124 pp. – ISBN documents/rivers.pdf stakeholders and the general public 92-894-7699-3 – ISSN 1725-5619) – Best practice examples for Natura http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE and Energy: Innovative solutions 2000 (2004 - 72 pp. – ISBN 92-894- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ for sustainable and efficient energy in 7898-5 – ISSN 1725-5619) documents/lifeenv92_04.pdf Europe (2007 – 64pp. ISBN 978 92-79- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 04969-9 - ISSN 1725-5619) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE-Environment Projects 2006 compi- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ documents/natcommunicat_lr.pdf lation (2006, 56 pp.-ISBN 92-79-02786-7) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ documents/energy_lr.pdf A cleaner, greener Europe: LIFE and life/publications/lifepublications/ the European Union waste policy compilations/documents/envcompila- LIFE and the marine environment (2004 - 28 pp. – ISBN 92-894-6018-0 tion06.pdf (2006 – 54pp. ISBN 92-79-03447-2- ISSN – ISSN 1725-5619) 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE-Nature Projects 2006 compilation http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ (2006, 67 pp. – ISBN 92-79-02788-3) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/waste_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ documents/marine_lr.pdf publications/lifepublications/compila- Industrial pollution, European solutions/documents/natcompilation06.pdf LIFE and European forests (2006 - 68pp. tions: clean technologies – LIFE and ISBN 92-79-02255-5 - ISSN 1725-5619) the Directive on integrated pollution LIFE-Third Countries Projects 2006 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ prevention and control (IPPC Direc- compilation (2006, 20 pp. – ISBN 92- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ tive) (2003 - 32 pp. – ISBN 92-894- 79-02787-5) documents/forest_lr.pdf 6020-2 – ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ life/publications/lifepublications/ LIFE in the City: Innovative solutions publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ compilations/documents/tcycompila- for Europe’s urban environment (2006, documents/cleantech_en.pdf tion06.pdf 64pp. - ISBN 92-79-02254-7 – ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/envi- LIFE and agri-environment support- ronment/life/publications/lifepublica- ing Natura 2000: Experience from the tions/lifefocus/documents/urban_lr.pdf LIFE programme (2003 - 72 pp. – ISBN 92-894-6023-7 – ISSN N° 1725-5619) A number of printed copies of cer- Integrated management of Natura http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ tain LIFE publications are availa- 2000 sites (2005 - 48 pp. – ISBN 92-79- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ ble and can be ordered free-of- documents/agrienvironment_en.pdf 00388-7) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ charge at: http://ec.europa.eu/ life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ environment/life/publications/ documents/managingnatura_lr.pdf order.htm colours C/M/Y/K colours 32/49/79/21

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” (COM (2006) 216 final). 1725-5619 ISSN �� – and beyond

contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative are are communication and awareness raising campaigns related to the The European Commission organises annual calls for proposals. Full details are nvironnement” nvironnement” / The financial instrument for the environment Halting the loss of Biodiversity by E nvironnement” nvironnement” / The financial instrument for the environment E support environmental capacity building and initiatives in non-EU countries bordering improve biodiversity in the EU. They contribute to the implementation of the objectives of contribute to the development of innovative and integrated techniques or methods to 2000-2006. 2007-2013. approximately EUR 2,143 million approximately EUR 945 million. further information on LIFE and LIFE+ is available at http://ec.europa.eu/life. at least 78% of the budget is for co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE+ co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE projects) in the Member States of improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the inancier pour l’ F inancier pour l’ F

LIFE and endangered threatened plants: flora Conserving Europe’s nstrument I ’ nstrument L I ’ “ L 978-92-79-08815-5 “ Focus / �� 10.2779/99297 European European Commission – Directorate-General for the Environment LIFE Unit – BU-9 02/1 – B-1049 Brussels – Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/life LIFE+ Information and Communication projects implementation, updating and development of European environmental policy and legislation, including the prevention of forest fires and training for forest fire agents. available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm LIFE Nature projects implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. LIFE+ Biodiversity projects the Commission Communication, “ LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance projects policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments in support of European environmental policy and legislation. projects) projects) in the Member States of the European Union and in certain non-EU countries. LIFE Nature projects implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. LIFE Environment projects support environmental progress. LIFE Third Countries projects the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. the European Union, in associated candidate countries and in certain third countries bordering the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.

2008 - 52p - 21 x 29.7 cm ISBN ISSN 1725-5619 doi: Contact LIFE Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities > Further information How to apply for LIFE+ funding LIFE+ projects > > > LIFE+ Period covered (LIFE+) EU funding available of intervention Type > > > EU funding available of intervention Type LIFE projects LIFE Period covered (LIFE III)