LIFE VIDALIA 2nd technical workshop – Invasive Exotic Flora

Oct. 11, 2022

Another technical workshop, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change through the LIFE VIDALIA conservation project, took place last Tuesday, October 4th, at Luís da Rocha Monteiro Auditorium.

This initiative intended to promote the sharing of techniques, monitoring methodologies and results of invasive exotic flora species’ control actions.

The contribution of guest speakers Dr. Hélia Marchante and Engr. Ana Cristina Medeiros, enabled the approximately 60 participants to have a fruitful debate on the invasive flora theme.

It should be noted that this Regional Secretariat is reviewing the Regional Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Invasive Alien Species, in order to articulate its content with the Regional Legislative Decree 15/2012 which establishes the Legal Regime for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity.

The LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, LIFE BEETLES and LIFE SNAILS projects also participated in the event, and presented their action plans regarding the control of weeds in the Azores.

Also, as part of this workshop, the LIFE VIDALIA project demonstrated, at Morro de Castelo Branco, the Thermal Weeding technique that uses a device similar to a portable blowtorch. This method consists of the application of a flame that, in contact with the plant tissues of the invaders, promotes their bursting and rapid death, being therefore a more sustainable methodology.

The event was also intended to mark the 30th anniversary of the LIFE program of the European Union.

Learn more: www.lifevidalia.eu/