BRIGHT Bussaco´s Recovery of Invasions Generating Habitat Threats
The Mata Nacional do Buçaco :: The Mata Nacional do Bussaco (MNB) is a unique heritage in its natural and architectural component, being recognized and visited by thousands of people all over the world. :: It has a long and recognized history, due to military, religious and biodiversity reasons. :: It’s located on the center of Portugal :: Walled area with 105 ha of forest located on the climatic transition between mediterranean and atlantic areas
Natural heritage – Landscape units The Arboreto (about 80% of the total area of MNB) It is a result of a reforestation process that started from existing landscape, initially by the action of the Carmelite (introduction of Cedro-do-Buçaco), in the century XVII
Natural heritage – Landscape units “Pinhal do Marquês” :: approximately 15 ha. of area with pine trees (Pinus pinaster) :: Area with proliferation of Invasive Alien Species after the cutdown of pines (before the project)
Natural heritage – Landscape units Reliquial forest :: Located on the SW area of the MNB. :: Mature forests of aderno (Phyllirea latifolia) :: Preserves the typical features of the primeval forest that exist in this region and goes back to a time before human occupation, several thousand years ago.
Natural heritage – Landscape units Reliquial forest
Natural heritage – Flora
Carvalho-alvarinho (Quercus robur)
Loureiro (Laurus nobilis) Selo-de-SalomĂŁo (Polygonatum odoratum)
Gilbardeira (Ruscus aculeatus)
Medronheiro (Arbutus unedo)
Azevinho (Ilex aquifolium)
Natural heritage – Fauna
:: Vertebrates: more than 150 species. :: Invertebrates: more than 600 species.
Threat Invasive Alien Species
Invasive Alien Species A threat to autochthonous habitats
Mimosa (Acacia dealbata)
Austrรกlia (Acacia melanoxylon)
Falso-incenso (Pittosporum undulatum)
Erva-da-fortuna (Tradescantia fluminensis)
LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity
Three beneficiaries:
Beneficiaries
Coordination of the project Implementation of conservation actions
Awareness raising, involvement and volunteering for Schools
Monitoring of project results
Project actions Conservation actions • • •
Control of invasive alien species Reactivation of abandoned plant nursery Plantation of autochthonous species
Public awareness and dissemination of results • •
Re-integration of prisioners Volunteering and activities with • Schools • Enterprises and institutions • Other publics
• Seminars and networking Monitoring actions • •
Fauna Flora
Project Reactivation of the plant nursery
Project Control of invasive alien species
Project Invasive herbaceous- Tradescantia fluminensis
Conservation areas immediately after the removal of Tradescantia fluminensis
Results after two years of the removal – natural regeneration
Initial situation in habitat conversion areas
Initial situation in habitat conversion areas
Project Woody invasives – intervention with good practices
Project Plantation of autochthonous species
General view of intervened areas 4 years after the start of the project
Project Public awareness and dissemination of results
Project Volunteering with schools, institutions, enterprises and other publics
Project Volunteering with schools, institutions, enterprises and other publics
Project Dissemination and networking - Seminars
Project Dissemination and communication Planting with public personalities and companies
Project Dissemination and networking – social aspects
Project Dissemination and networking – social aspects 2013 Manuel da Mota Prize – Social integration
Monitoring actions by Universidade de Aveiro
2016
To the present date we have achieved: • The coverage of an area of approximately 48 ha with the control of invasive alien species • Approximately 50.000 plantations on intervened areas
Bussaco‘s Recovery of Invasions Generatin g Habitat Threats