The Xunta of Galicia continues to develop an environmental restoration strategy on the Cíes, Ons and Sálvora Islands with the aim of improving the conservation of the natural habitats of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands and strengthening their adaptation to climate change. The actions are part of the European LIFE Insular project, a cooperation initiative between Spain and Ireland focused on protecting the island ecosystems of the Natura 2000 Network.
Among the main interventions is the removal and control of invasive plant species across more than 145 hectares of the three archipelagos. This work helps promote the recovery of native vegetation and contributes to the conservation of the islands' own ecosystems.
The project also includes the production and reintroduction of plants obtained from local genetic material. The objective is to speed up the recovery of habitats such as dunes and coastal shrublands, considered areas of great ecological value and especially sensitive to environmental changes.
Another action focuses on restoring the natural island landscape by reducing forest formations that are not native to these ecosystems and improving ecological connectivity between different areas of the islands.
During a visit to San Martiño Island, the Director General for Natural Heritage, Marisol Díaz, highlighted that LIFE Insular combines ecological restoration measures with sustainable planning to guarantee the conservation of these natural areas.
In addition to the environmental actions, the programme includes awareness-raising and public participation activities, such as information days, volunteering, school workshops and informational panels to highlight the importance of conserving the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.
