Restoration and improvement of Priority Habitat 9370* Palm groves of Phoenix

Introduction

Endemic palm groves in Europe of genus Phoenix create important natural and semi-natural ecosystems with an outstanding ecological and socio-economical value that are only present in Spain (with Phoenix canariensis in the Canary Islands) and Greece (with P. theophrasti in Crete). Their uniqueness justifies the inclusion in Annex I of the EU Directive 92/43 and the designation as Priority Habitat 9370* “Palm groves of Phoenix”, with a total of only 53 Natura 2000 (N2K) sites designated for its conservation at the EU level.

Conservation Challenges

Both species, and the habitat they configure, face similar conservation problems in both regions. The main shared threats are related to:

• Climate change effects
• Pests
• Invasive plant species

Other important issues are more directly linked to human activities, with different levels of importance depending on the region:

1. In Gran Canaria: hybridization with P. dactylifera due to past bad practices.
2. In Crete: overgrazing and tourist visitor pressure, while hybridization and pests are mainly considered through a precautionary approach.

Project Objectives

The overall aim of LIFE Phoenix is to improve the conservation status of Priority Habitat 9370* in the islands of Gran Canaria and Crete by developing a comprehensive strategy that includes:

• Mitigation of the main general risks (droughts, forest fires, overgrazing, visitor pressure, hybridization)
• Restoration of natural palm groves through appropriate management techniques
• Prevention and control of pests and invasive alien species (IAS)
• Reforestation
• Environmental governance
• Awareness raising

Stakeholder Involvement

In order to achieve these goals, it is necessary to involve all competent authorities (public administrations, local governments, scientific institutions), the main stakeholders (ornamental plant sector, private and public gardens, farmers and stock-breeders, tourism associations and hotels, environmental NGOs, volunteers), as well as the local communities from Gran Canaria and Crete, working together and looking for effective solutions to common challenges.