A LIFE project to manage Baccharis halimifolia in the País Vasco (ES)
Estuaries are highly important ecological enclaves. Invasive alien species represent a major threat to these habitats by displacing the indigenous species that are often already threatened species, and by causing detrimental changes to environmental conditions.
The problems caused by Baccharis halimifolia (Asteraceae, EPPO List of IAP) are studied by the LIFE project ‘Restoration of habitats of community interest in estuaries in the Basque Country’. Within this project, actions are developed in three areas of the Natura 2000 Network (Urdaibai, Txingudi;and Lea River). The aim is to restore a total area of 314 hectares and to improve conditions for the bird species living in the estuaries.
The project is coordinated by the Basque Government and is due to end in 2014. Summary reports, management plan, results of scientific monitoring, and other documents are available from the website of the project (in Spanish).
Sources
Website of the LIFE project 08NAT/E/000055: Restoration of habitats of Community interest in estuaries of the Basque Country. http://www.ingurumena.ejgv.euskadi.net/r49-life55/en/