The project

The overall objective of LIFE GLOBAL is to implement a transnational strategy between Spain and Portugal for the restoration of Natura 2000 high conservation value areas in the northern Iberian Peninsula, as the main adaptation measure to current global changes, improving the conservation status and resilience of priority habitats and species. To this end, the project has selected 10 priority habitats (1150, 1510, 4020, 4040, 3170, 6220, 6230, 7210, 7220, 9560) and 3 priority species (Eryngium viviparum, Centaurium somedanum, Tetrax tetrax), which are considered representative of the Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographic regions, as well as the 3 scenarios of greatest conservation value in the northern Iberian Peninsula. The project has great demonstrative and pilot potential, allowing for high transferability and replicability to other European territories where areas of high conservation value are concentrated and isolated in highly fragmented and vulnerable complex mosaics.

To achieve the overall objective, a number of specific objectives are considered to combat the threats identified as causing the degradation of target habitats and species, building on previous results obtained in EU Projects and Programmes (LIFE and non-LIFE projects, Framework Programme, H2020):

Objective 1. Increase the area of target priority habitats (4040\*, 6230\*, 9560\*) and the populations of target priority species (+300 Centaurium somedanum individuals, +10% of Eryngium viviparum populations) by 174.10 ha, using cutting-edge techniques to reduce fragmentation and increase connectivity (T1)

Objective 2. Objective 2. Control and elimination of IAS competition in 562.87 ha, which is causing an impact on the composition, structure and functions of priority habitats 1150*, 4020*, 4040*, 3170* and 7210* (T2)

Objective 3. Improve the structure, functionality and future prospects of 551.60 ha of priority habitats and 32.9 ha of habitats of selected priority species (Centaurium somedanum, Eryngium viviparum, Tetrax tetrax) through demonstrative and pilot measures against their anthropogenic pressures, implementing their adaptive management and conserving their genetic diversity (T3, T4, T5)

Objective 4. To have up-to-date and consistent information for the north of the Iberian Peninsula, around the boundary between the Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographic regions, on the presence, distribution, knowledge, and medium- and long-term monitoring of priority target habitats and species, which will strengthen information on their conservation status (T6).

Objective 5. Inform and raise awareness among the general public about the relevance, natural values and ecosystem services provided by the selected priority habitats and species, as well as the problems addressed and solutions provided by the project, at national, regional and local levels (T6)

Objective 6. Transfer the measures developed in the project for their replicability and sustainability at EU level, through specific strategies for replication, transfer and networking of project results (T6)