Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Restoration of Juniperus Thurifera Forests within Natura 2000 Sites in the Valencia Region
Summary
This project aims to improve the conservation status of the Juniperus Thurifera forests, which are a rare forestry habitat in the Valencia Region of Spain. This has been carried out by simple management practices such as tilling and nutrient input.
Background
Valencia is a Mediterranean region with an important forest area (53% of the total) that includes different habitat types, including the Mediterranean juniper forest of Juniperus Thurifera (Nature 2000 code 9580*). These are priority habitats included in the Directive 92/43 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. This habitat is scarce in the Valencia region and it is threatened by the decrease in traditional farming practices and in cultivation methods.
Objective
The main objective of the project is to improve the conservation status of Juniperus Thurifera forests by means of simple management practices that include shrub removal, nutrient input and plantations to improve the regeneration of juniper woodlands damaged by fire.
Main activities
The main activity is the tilling of abandoned fields (marginal lands where crops were formerly cultivated) in order to remove plant competition and improve soil structure. Tilling is combined with moderate nutrient input to encourage leaf production in juniper trees affected by the decline. Juniper tree afforestation is carried out in woodland affected by forest fires with poor regeneration potential, with plantlets produced in nurseries in rural areas within the project boundary.
Results & Benefits
The results of the project include: i) the improvement of the conservation status of forests of juniperus thurifera in rural areas of the Valencia Region (East Spain); ii) the establishment of a restoration protocol for these rare habitats; iii) the conservation of the biodiversity heritage of rural areas of the Valencia region; iv) Juniperus forests including large veteran specimens; v) the attraction of more tourists to the forest.
Lessons learnt
Although the measure is not finished yet, recently results and outcomes have showed a positive impact on the status quo of biodiversity heritage.
Project location and other information
Inland forests of the Valencia region, within the Natura 2000 network.
Region
Valencia
RDP Territory
Comunidad Valenciana
Total project cost (€)
495 198
EAFRD contribution (€)
235 851
National contribution (€)
259 347
Contact name
Jimenez Juaper
Languages for contact
Spanish
At a glance
Country
Spain
Final beneficiary type
Forester, Public/local authorities
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/09/2010
End Date:
31/12/2014
Theme / Measure:
Environment and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable use of forestry land
227. Non-productive investments
Keywords:
Forest management, Protected area, Habitat restoration, Biodiversity, Natural environment
Last update
12/04/2011