LIFE IP CLIMAZ plants endemic species in Ribeira Seca, São Jorge island

July 24, 2025

As part of Action C5.3 - the ‘Ecosystem-based adaptation’ demonstration project to tackle climate change within the LIFE CLIMAZ project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, a planting intervention was carried out on the banks of Ribeira Seca on the island of São Jorge.

The work began with the removal of invasive flora species, particularly Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) and Giant Reed (Arundo donax), which dominated the area. The subsequent planting of endemic species followed it.

Two hundred eighty-six specimens of endemic species were planted: Azorean Picconia (Picconia azorica), Azorean Viburnum (Viburnum treleasei), Azorean Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum), African Boxwood (Myrsine africana), Azorean Holly (Ilex azorica), Azorean Buckthorn (Frangula azorica), Azorean Heather (Erica azorica) and Short Leafed Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia).

This initiative aimed to strengthen the populations of these species and promote the ecological stability of the stream’s bank. The action represents a significant contribution to the preservation of biodiversity and the recovery of natural ecosystems, reaffirming the commitment to increasing resilience, conserving endemic flora, and protecting the Region’s priority habitats.