Summarizing the main highlights, the project foresees to deploy a set of pilot, demonstration and best practice concrete conservation works that are expected to have for main results:
- Improved conservation status of Azorina vidalii and Lotus azoricus, 2 endemic species listed in Annex B-II of Habitats Directive and priority for conservation, in 3 out of 9 islands of Azores;
- Substantial reinforcement of 20 populations of the target species in Faial, Pico and São Jorge, increasing Azorina vidalii’s numbers in more than 200% and Lotus azoricus in more than 400%.
- Improved habitat conditions for further expansion and reduction of threats (by planting native flora, reducing invasive flora to 0% of current mature individuals and reducing rodents density by 75%);
- Reinforced technical knowledge available for replication, including an improved propagation protocol for Lotus azoricus, new methods for safer control of rodents in natural areas, and new guidance for best control of a group of flora species that integrate Macaronesia’s Top 100 invaders.
- Improved installed capacity to face future conservation needs in the Azores, by enlargement/adaptation of a rare and endangered plant nursery that will continue delivering identical functions of the post-project works to the other 6 Azorean islands and create methods/solutions for replication;
- Generalized awareness raising and behavioral changes in several target audiences, including e.g. schools, NGO’s, Third Sector organizations, or tourism agents, contributing for a general active involvement in concrete conservation needs.