Portuguese institutions in the European Biodiversity Conservation Project

The Center for Research on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources of the University of Porto (CIBIO-InBIO) and the University of Évora are part of a project that aims to identify protected areas in Europe and promote the conservation of biodiversity.

A statement from the University of Porto center this Thursday clarified that the project, called NaturaConnect, aims to support the governments of the European Union and other public and private institutions in “developing a coherent, sustainable and well-connected trans-European natural network.” .

To help European Union member states implement their planned protected area strategy, the project, funded by Horizon Europe, brings together 22 institutions and partners that will identify areas to be protected in Europe and promote “greater biodiversity conservation and adaptation”. to climate change.”

In a statement, CIBIO project team coordinator Francisco Moreira emphasizes that this is an “opportunity” for the center to be “at the forefront of the ‘design’ of the future network of European protected areas and the corridors that run through them.

“We also hope that, in cooperation with the University of Évora, we will be able to support the Portuguese authorities responsible for defining the future Natura 2000 network at the country level, as well as provide technical training that may be necessary for this purpose.” , adds.

The project team will conduct research activities and implement actions to involve all stakeholders, which will lead to “identifying and connecting the best areas for protection” and “contributes to greater biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change.”

In October 2020, EU member states committed to protecting at least 30% of their land and sea area by ensuring that at least a third of these protected areas are protected.