The newspaper La Voz de Galicia publishes a report today on the progress of the European LIFE INSULAR project in restoring the ecosystems of Cíes, Ons and Sálvora, in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The initiative also covers La Graciosa (Canary Islands), and areas in the counties of Donegal and Wexford (Ireland).
The publication focuses on the work to remove invasive alien species and former forest plantations, especially eucalyptus plantations, and give natural habitats in these archipelagos their space back.
Among the highlighted achievements are invasive flora control activities, which already cover more than 145 hectares, as well as the recovery of native species through seed collection, local plant production and the restoration of dunes and scrubland.
The report also highlights research work aimed at promoting the conservation of species such as the sea-daffodil (camariña) and the importance of collaboration between administrations, universities and conservation teams.
LIFE INSULAR is a project coordinated by IBADER (University of Santiago de Compostela), with a project budget of more than €5.2 million, 75% of which is funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Its implementation in Galicia involves the Directorate-General for Natural Heritage of the Xunta de Galicia and TRAGSA, in collaboration with the National Park team. This cooperation is completed by the Autonomous National Parks Agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Government of Ireland and the Irish public company Coillte.
