Participants
IBADER - University of Santiago de Compostela
IBADER-USC is a joint university institute, comprised of three public bodies: the University of Santiago de Compostela, the Provincial Council of Lugo, and the Xunta de Galicia (regional government). These three institutions make up the Governing Council of IBADER-USC. Since its creation, it has carried out numerous projects and contracts related to the monitoring of the state of conservation, planning, and management of protected areas at national and regional levels (National Park, Natural Park, Natural Monument, Protected Landscape, Protected Wetland, etc.) and international levels (UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, UNESCO Global Geoparks, OSPAR Marine Protected Areas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, etc.), as well as the assessment and management of natural habitats and wildlife species, especially those included in Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC. Its greatest achievement has been the development of the Master Plan for the 75 Natura 2000 areas (59 SACs and 16 SPAs) in the Galician region.
Furthermore, he has experience in habitat characterization, participating in regional and national habitat inventories, which has led to the publication of specific monographs on the criteria for characterizing and identifying Galician habitats of community interest.
All this extensive experience in biodiversity conservation and management has resulted in participation in 10 LIFE projects in total, 7 of which are LIFE Nature (coordinating 2 of them), including LIFE TREMEDAL (LIFE11 NAT/ES/000707), LIFE BACCATA (LIFE15 NAT/ES/000790), LIFE FLUVIAL (LIFE16 NAT/ES/000771), LIFE IP PAF-WILD ATLANTIC NATURE (LIFE18 IPE/IE/000002) and LIFE INSULAR (LIFE20 NAT/ES/001007).
Ribadeo City Council (RIBADEO)
RIBADEO is the local government body (Public Administration) of the Ribadeo City Council, a municipality with a population of approximately 10,000. Among the powers it can assume (Law 7/1985) is the protection of the natural environment, and it can act on its own initiative in this area due to its cross-cutting powers.
RIBADEO has made the protection, conservation, and regeneration of its natural environment a priority in its work. This biodiversity has earned it several international awards: Natura 2000 Network, Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar Wetland, and more. The involvement of its residents and visitors is also essential, with information and awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and other resources being launched.
As a result of this environmental commitment, RIBADEO has been working in recent years to improve and restore Natura 2000 areas in its territory. For a decade, work has been underway on the Galician side of the Ribadeo Estuary, acquiring land and naturalizing it to improve the fluvial-estuarine corridor through the LIFE FLUVIAL project (LIFE16 NAT/ES/000771). This effort has been complemented by environmental restoration of the coastal section and environmental restoration of the Ribadeo Estuary through specific initiatives.
Galician Biological Mission Higher Council for Scientific Research (MBG-CSIC)
The Biological Mission of Galicia (MBG) is one of the oldest centers of the CSIC, the largest public research organization in Spain, and its main objective is the improvement of agroforestry systems. Its research lines include the study of the conservation status of habitats associated with wetlands, the requirements of restricted-range species, and strategies for restoring disturbed ecosystems.
The MBG-CSIC team has previous experience in habitat restoration projects for endangered species in the ZEPA ES0000436 A Limia:
Recovery of Eryngium viviparum, Vanellus vanellus and wetland-associated species in the A Limia SPA through restoration and improvement of their potential habitats (project co-financed by the EAFRD, Galicia Rural Development Programme 2014-2021), in collaboration with an NGO (SGHN) and a local livestock farmer.
Restoration of a drained plot of land in the former Vilaseca plain to recover endangered species (Trasmiras, Ourense), in collaboration with SGHN and a local farmer.
Conservation and restoration of habitats for endangered species at a former aggregates mine (Sandiás, Ourense), in collaboration with the company and SGHN.
Mariñas-Betanzos Rural Development Association (ADRMB)
The Mariñas-Betanzos Rural Development Association (ADRMB) is a non-profit entity that operates in 17 municipalities in the province of A Coruña, in the northwest of Spain (Galicia): Abegondo, Aranga, Arteixo, Bergondo, Betanzos, Cambre, Carral, Coirós, Culleredo, Curtis, Miño, Irixoa, Oleiros, Oza-Cesuras, Paderne, Sada and Sobrado, covering a total area of 1,140 km² and with a population of 195,000 inhabitants.
The purpose of ADRMB is to serve as the focal point for the integration and representation of various territorial, institutional, social, and economic stakeholders, both public and private, interested in promoting the socioeconomic development of the region. It currently has more than 120 associated entities, both public and private. Its objective is to design and implement a sustainable development strategy for the region based on its natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of social cohesion, with ADRMB acting as the managing entity of the Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve.
ADRMB has participated in different actions of the LIFE “AQUA PLANN PROJECT” (LIFE07 ENV/E/000826) and the LIFE RURAL SUPPLIES project (LIFE12 ENV/ES/000557), being a beneficiary entity of the LIFE FLUVIAL (LIFE16 NAT/ES/000771) and LIFE WATER WAY (LIFE16 ENV/ES/000533) projects.
Regional Government of Castile and León. Ministry of Development and Environment (JCYL)
JCYL is the regional administration responsible for the conservation and management of the natural environment within its territorial scope, specifically developed by the General Directorate of Natural Heritage and Forestry Policy of the Ministry of Development and Environment. It has the necessary resources to carry out the actions contemplated in this project and, among other tasks, is responsible for the management and protection of protected natural areas, including the Natura 2000 Network, the conservation of threatened species and habitats and other elements of natural heritage, the planning and management of natural heritage uses, as well as forest and natural environment restoration activities.
JCYL is also responsible for proposing the programming, management, and monitoring of actions related to forest genetic resources, including the conservation, production, and distribution of forest reproductive materials in the nurseries affiliated with the administration, among which the Central Forest Nursery of Valladolid stands out.
The Ministry of Development and Environment, together with the local public entities that own the Public Utility Forests (MUP), is responsible for managing the natural areas where LIFE GLOBAL projects will be carried out. As such, it has participated in more than 20 LIFE projects since the program’s inception.
Foundation for the Center for Services and Promotion of Forestry and its Industry of Castilla y León (CESEFOR)
CESEFOR is a private, non-profit foundation founded in Castile and León in January 2003. It contributes to regional development, competitiveness, and sustainability in the forestry sector, which utilizes natural resources, by offering services such as training, consulting, and education.
CESEFOR has extensive experience in R&D&I projects, particularly focused on sustainable management of the natural environment and the conservation of resources, habitats, and species. It has participated in forest and river habitat conservation projects of community interest, as well as in the implementation of conservation measures for the Natura 2000 Network and priority species, with the support of the Regional Government of Castilla y León. Another relevant line of work at CESEFOR focuses on IT development for the forestry sector and the conservation of the natural environment: software development, machine learning solutions, traceability systems, GIS applications, and technological solutions for the assessment and conservation of natural resources.
It also has extensive experience in communications and outreach, having managed several EU projects: graphic design, website development and management, social media, event planning, newsletters, and media work. She also edits IndForma (a leading weekly newsletter for the Spanish forestry and environmental sector) and participates in several European networks such as EFI, the Mediterranean Model Forest Network, the IUFRO Network, the ERIAFF Network, and FAO’s SilvaMed.
Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León (FPNCYL)
FPNCYL is a public organization affiliated with the JCYL. It was founded in 2005 with the purpose of restoring, promoting, fostering, and preserving the natural heritage of Castile and León, promoting its cultural, social, and economic development, and contributing to the dissemination and enhancement of its resources and values.
The Natural Heritage Foundation of Castile and León is responsible for managing the following centers:
PRAE Building (Valladolid): A bioclimatic building (with the international ISBE certification for sustainable construction), conceived as a benchmark in education and training, sustainable construction, renewable energy, and sustainability. It is designed to carry out multiple activities in diverse areas, from administrative to social, technical, and educational uses.
The FPNCYL also manages the Visitor Centers of the Natural Parks of Castile and León, currently more than 30 centers.
- 5 wildlife recovery centers.
The FPNCYL has developed the following conservation actions and conservation-related programs in the Natura 2000 Network:
Conservation program for the Cantabrian capercaillie and its habitat.
Recovery and conservation program for the Iberian desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and its habitat.
Protection and conservation of Iberian cyprinids of community interest.
Conservation of the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli’s eagle.
Conservation of Dupont’s lark (Chersophilus duponti) and its habitat.
Actions for the conservation of Bonelli’s eagle.
Actions for the conservation of the red kite (Milvus milvus).
Actions for the conservation of the capercaillie.
Wetland restoration.
Provincial Council of Álava (DFA)
The DFA is the local public institution responsible for the government and administration of the province of Álava. Its Department of Environment and Urban Planning is responsible for the Integrated Water Cycle, Environment and Landscape, Nature Conservation, Natural Areas, Renewable Energy, Biodiversity, and Protected Species of Fauna and Flora, in accordance with the provisions of Provincial Decree 324/2019. Its responsibilities include:
The conservation and restoration of natural heritage.
Monitoring and control of habitats and species of fauna and flora.
The management of Álava’s protected areas, promoting studies of their natural systems and implementing actions for the conservation, knowledge, and dissemination of natural values.
Promote and develop programs and activities to educate, raise awareness, and encourage environmental participation in protected natural areas.
Protect the services provided by ecosystems, their uses, and their benefits, in order to reconcile the protection of biodiversity, the sustainability of resources, and the demands of rural and urban society.
The development and implementation of Management Plans for wild fauna and flora species included in the various catalogues of threatened species and lists of species of interest.
Monitor and control invasive species, pests, etc.
These tasks derive from the powers assumed by the Basque Government in compliance with the Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country (Law 3/1979, of December 18) and the subsequent transfer of their development and/or execution based on Law 27/1983, of November 25.
Environmental Management of Navarra S.A. – Nafarroako Ingurumen Kudeaketa S.A. (GAN-NIK)
GAN-NIK is a public company, an instrumental entity of the Government of Navarre (GN). Since 1982, it has supported the Department of Rural Development and Environment (DRyMA). In the field of biodiversity, it develops the following areas of work: planning and management of Natura 2000 and the regional system of Protected Natural Areas (ENP), in habitats and species of flora and fauna; cataloging of threatened species; monitoring of habitats and species of flora and fauna; conservation plans and protocols for monitoring habitats and species; maintenance and management of biodiversity databases (Natura Network, flora, fauna); restoration projects for threatened habitats and habitats for species; environmental assessment of plans and programs; communication, participation, and public use; and geographic information systems (management of geographic data on biodiversity).
It also plans and develops, on behalf of the Department of DRyMA of the Government of Navarre, projects funded by the European Union, including, in relation to biodiversity management: RBAPS; Interreg III-A (SILVAPYR, GSS, GESNATRANS, FAUSIL, PIVI and GIRE-IMER); Interreg-B FORSEE; Interreg III-C (FLAPP and GRDP–Greening); Interreg IV-A (BIDUR, VOLTOURIS, GALLIPYR, NECROPIR and LINDUS); Interreg (CONECTFOR, GREEN, HABIOS and ECOGYP); LIFE-GERVE, LIFE TERRITORIO MINSON; LIFE+ Irekibai; LIFE BONELLI, Aquila-a-LIFE, LIFE TREMEDAL.
Mountain Research Center – Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (CIMO-IPB)
The Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB) is a public higher education institution founded in 1983. Its mission is to provide quality higher education, promote technological research and development—particularly in cooperation with the industrial community—and contribute to regional and national development by providing technological and scientific expertise.
The Mountain Research Center (CIMO-IPB) is a unit of excellence in R&D at the FCT (National University of the Basque Country) integrated into the IPB. CIMO-IPB conducts research on mountain systems in the Montesinho Natural Park, following an interdisciplinary strategy that encompasses everything from nature (raw materials, natural resources, biodiversity, agriculture, forest management) to products (food and biomaterials). Its infrastructure includes laboratories for food technology, chemical engineering, microbiology, ecology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, soils, experimental farms, pilot laboratories, and offices for administrative, financial, scientific, and technological management.
General Directorate of Natural Heritage; Department of Environment, Territory and Housing, Xunta de Galicia (DXPN)
The Directorate General of Natural Heritage (DXPN), in accordance with Decree 42/2019, is the autonomous public body responsible for the conservation, protection, sustainable use, improvement, and restoration of Galicia’s natural heritage and biodiversity. It carries out the specific conservation, management, and planning of the areas comprising the Galician Network of Protected Areas and the Natura 2000 Network of Galicia, as well as other areas of high environmental value; the dissemination of the values of natural heritage; the management of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, natural landscapes, and unique elements of the relief of the Autonomous Community of Galicia.
The DXPN drafted and approved Decree 37/2014, which declared the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) of Galicia, in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC, and approved the Master Plan for the Natura 2000 Network in Galicia. This Plan constitutes the planning and management instrument that establishes a set of management objectives and measures for the Natura 2000 Network in Galicia, with the aim of ensuring a favorable conservation status of natural habitat types and species of Community interest according to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC.
COLLABORATORS
· Abaurrea Alta City Council / Abaurregainako Udala
· ADEGA (Association for the Ecological Defense of Galicia)
· Association Bretagne Vivante – SEPNB
· Arraia-Maeztu City Council
· Laguardia Town Council (Álava)
· Navascués Town Council / Nabaskozeko Udala
· Baztango Udala / Baztan Town Council
· Spanish Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
· Community of Rural Forests in Common Ownership of Vilar de Gomareite (Vilar de Barrio, Ourense).
· Bigüezal Municipal Council / Biotzariko Kontzejua
· A Laracha Municipal Council
· Arteixo Municipal Council
· Carballo Municipal Council
· Miño-Sil Hydrographic Confederation, O.A.
· Conservatoire botanique national de Brest
· Laguardia-Rioja Alavesa District
· Galicia Coastal Demarcation
· Provincial Council of A Coruña
· Provincial Council of Lugo
· General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests, and Desertification (Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge).
· General Directorate of the Environment of the Government of Navarre
· General Directorate of Youth, Participation, and Volunteering. Ministry of Social Policy, Xunta de Galicia (Galician Regional Government).
· Ecologists in Action – CODA
· Public Business Entity “Augas de Galicia” (Galician Waters).
· Esteribar City Council / Esteribarko Udala (Esteribar University)
· EUROPEAN FOREST INSTITUTE
· Basque Government – Eusko Jaurlaritza (Basque Government). Directorate of Natural Heritage and Climate Change (Natura Ondare eta Klima Aldaketa).
· Federation of Forestry Associations of Castile and León (FAFCYLE).
· Biodiversity Foundation, F.S.P.
· Juana de Vega Foundation
· Valle Salado de Añana Foundation – Añanako Gatz Harana Fundazioa
· GEIE FORESPIR (EEIG – European Economic Interest Group)
· ICNF – Instituto da Conservaçao da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P.
· INDUROT, University of Oviedo
· Alava Institute of Nature – Arabako Natur Institutua (I.AN.-A.N.I.)
· Board of the Forest Limitations of the Associations / Limitations of the Administrative Council of the Batzarrea.
· General Meeting of the Aezkoa Valley / Aezkoako Batzarre Nagusia
· KerryLIFE Project. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
· Laboratoire Géoarchitecture de l’Université de Bretagne occidentale
· Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat
· Entzia General Parzoneria
· Program on Man and the Biosphere (MaB). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
· Allariz Area Biosphere Reserve
· Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve
· Lugo Provincial Coastal Service
· Galician Society of Natural History (SGHN)
· Syndicat Mixte de la Ria d’Etel (SMRE)
· Syndicat mixte du Parc naturel regional d’Armorique. Armorique nature park.
· University College Dublin – WaterLANDS project