European Natura 2000 Day, within the framework of the LIFE BACCATA project, celebrated with a visit to the SAC of Parga-Ladra-Támoga

On the occasion of the "European Natura 2000 Day" on May 22nd, a conference was held in the Agricultural Biodiversity and Rural Development Institute (IBADER) of Campus Terra, encompassed within the activities of the LIFE BACCATA and LIFE FLUVIAL projects, and organized by IBADER.

Throughout the morning, a visit was held in Lagoa do Rei, which belongs to the Rábade townhall, in the SAC of Parga-Ladra-Támoga (ES1120003). The activity was attended by municipal representatives, environmental associations, researchers from the Lugo Campus, members of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and associated beneficiaries of other LIFE Nature projects.

During the afternoon an event took place in the classroom "Luciano Sánchez García", at the IBADER of Campus Terra (in Lugo). It held a series of interventions that allowed the participants to acknowledge the efforts made so that the Natura 2000 Network may be considered one of the most outstanding accomplishments of the European Union.

The presentations round was opened by Victoriano Urgorri Carrasco, of the "Graña" Biological Station (USC). The lecture made an interesting synthesis regarding the natural and heritage values ​​that marine biodiversity possesses in Galicia, providing an important reflection on the role that the Natura 2000 Network carries out in its conservation.

Serafín González Prieto spoke afterwards and explained the interesting action plans that the Galician Society of Natural History is implementing with regards to the conservation and restoration of habitats and species in the Natura 2000 Network, emphasizing the priority types.

Following after, Miguel Fernández Pardo, –from the "Mariñas-Betanzos" Rural Development Association– proceeded to talk about the establishment of quality marks in areas of the Natura 2000 Network, aided with the work carried out by the "Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo" Biosphere Reserve. This lecture clarified the advantages of a quality brand based on natural areas, such as the Natura 2000 Network and the Biosphere Reserves.

Finally, Antonio Rigueiro Rodríguez, director of the Courel Scientific Station (USC), presented the book "As orchids from Serra do Courel." The autor, Elvira Sahuquillo Balbuena, attended the event and expressed her gratitude to all those who had contributed and helped in the publication of her work.

This act has increased public awareness of the Natura 2000 Network and its importance with regards to conservation of cultural heritage and the services provided by ecosystems. Moreover, it has also showed its contribution to the economy and well-being of the communities that reside within the areas of ​​influence.

Program:
5:00 pm - Presentation.

5:15 pm - Marine biodiversity in the Natura 2000 Network of Galicia. Victoriano Urgorri Carrasco ("Mariña da Graña" Biology Station, Santiago de Compostela University, USC).

6:00 pm - In situ conservation experiences of species within the Natura 2000 Network. Serafín González Prieto (Galician Society of Natural History, SGHN).

6:45 pm - Implementation of quality brands in the areas of the Natura 2000 Network. Miguel Fernández Pardo ("Mariñas-Betanzos" Rural Development Association).

7:30 pm - Book presentation: "As orquideas da Serra do Courel." Antonio Rigueiro Rodríguez (Santiago de Compostela University, USC).

Free access until full capacity is reached.

Further information available in IBADER.