LIFE Project: Stop Cortaderia+. Development and implementation of a transnational alliance against Cortaderia
- Type Project
- Status In progress
- Execution 2023 -2028
- Assigned Budget 6.357.762,00 €
- Scope Europeo
- Autonomous community Cantabria
- Main source of financing LIFE
- Project website Web del proyecto
Coop Cortadería aims to boost cooperation and coordinated action for the control and containment of Cortaderia selloana (CS) in the Atlantic Arc, according to the initial situation in each of the work territories (Central Portugal, Northern Portugal, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and New Aquitaine).
Among the invasive alien species (IAS) present in the Atlantic Arc, Cortaderia selloana is one of the most widespread. This species occupies a large area of natural habitats and continues to spread across numerous territories. It is a highly aggressive IAS, with a strong invasive potential and widespread distribution across the Atlantic geography of southern Europe, affecting both natural and anthropogenic habitats. Its invasive potential is considerable, and its presence in various territories continues to grow year after year, thus requiring planned intervention. IAS are considered the second leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide, surpassed only by habitat destruction, and the presence of Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc is a clear example of this.
The project arises from the work carried out between October 2018 and September 2022 by the LIFE Stop Cortaderia project (LIFE17 NAT/ES/000495) and its technical results. At the start of LIFE Stop Cortaderia, the Cortaderia problem in Cantabria was well known. However, after four years of work, it has become clear that the Cortaderia challenge extends throughout the Atlantic Arc, giving rise to concerns that transcend the scope of environmental conservation and extend into the social sphere. This concern has gained particular relevance, transcending from specialized to general media. In short, methods for controlling Cortaderia are well-established, and there is a palpable social commitment to addressing this problem. However, the extent of the invasion and progress in combating it vary from one territory to another. As a result, there is a need for a project that offers a comprehensive strategic perspective for the entire Atlantic Arc. This project also includes customized control and eradication initiatives, tailored to the specific invasion levels and previous efforts in each respective territory.
- Improve public and private governance to effectively address the invasion.
- Control Cortaderia populations, especially by protecting coastal Natura 2000 areas and river corridors.
- Work to confine the species, with an expected result of eliminating 1,000 hectares.
- Promote the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge to other biogeographical regions where SC is also a problem, through activities carried out with a transnational alliance (now with 160 entities; target: 250).
- Elimination of 1,000 hectares of Cortaderia selloana in the Atlantic Arc.
- 250 organizations have joined the Transnational Strategy to Combat Cortaderia, committing to a set of medium- and long-term objectives and efficient methodologies, with the best cost-benefit ratio and minimal environmental costs.
- Provision of effective and tangible technical assistance to at least 25 entities in the Atlantic Arc.
- At least one regional entity and ten municipal entities adopt the recommendations and modify regulations to improve the effectiveness of Cortadería control.
- At least two certifying entities adopt the technical recommendations to obtain environmental certifications for more effective control of Cortaderia.
- Training of at least 800 professionals from different sectors.
- To gain in-depth knowledge of the allergenic potential of pampas grass, segmented by age group, and to propose recommendations to the administration regarding this matter, if this knowledge may have implications for management.
- Organization of at least 8 knowledge transfer seminars in biogeographical regions other than the Atlantic or in other areas of the Atlantic region not covered by the project, which are also experiencing an increasing invasion of feather duster, with at least 3 in the Mediterranean region (Spain and France), including a pilot action for feather duster eradication, another 3 in the Macaronesian region (Spain and Portugal), and 2 in other areas of the Atlantic region not covered by the project.
- Implementation of a pilot project to eradicate feather dusters and restore habitats in one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean, the Ebro Delta, which is experiencing an incipient feather duster invasion and is of demonstrative value.
- Organization of activities with at least 3,000 volunteers.
- Organization of 80 talks for the general public.
- Training of 300 primary and secondary school students in the Atlantic Arc.
- 5,000 social media followers receive the message about the harmful effects of Cortaderia.
- Update of the "Transnational Strategy for the Control of Cortaderia Selloana in the Atlantic Arc" and the "Manual of Good Practices for the Control of Cortaderia Selloana" at the end of the project. By December 2027, the updated documentation will be available in five languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, English, and Basque) and will reflect all the knowledge accumulated during 10 years of continuous combat against Cortaderia, both in terms of planning and methodology.
- Coordinator/entity name: Santiago García
Postal address: Barrio Sierrapando 508, 39300, Torrelavega
- SAEMA EMPLEO SOCIEDAD LIMITADA
- PATRONATO MUNICIPAL DE EDUCATION DEL TORRELAVEGA
- ASOCIACION CANTABRA EN FAVOR DE LASPERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD INTELECTUAL
- GIPUZKOAKO FORU ALDUNDIA
- SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ORNITOLOGIA SEO
- ASOCIACION DE PROFESIONALES AMBIENTALES GALICIA AMBIENTAL
- CONSEJERIA DE MEDIO RURAL Y COHESION TERRITORIAL DEL PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS
- FUNDACION INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACION MARQUES DE VALDECILLA
- CONSERVATOIRE D'ESPACES NATURELS DE NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE
- INSTITUTO POLITECNICO DE COIMBRA
- MUNICIPIO DE VILA NOVA DE GAIA
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