The LIFE VIDALIA project ended

Aug. 11, 2023

After five years, on 30 June, the LIFE VIDALIA project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, ended.

During its lifetime, this project, which had as its main objective to contribute to the improvement of the conservation status of the Azorean Bellflower (Azorina vidalii) and the Azorean Lotus (Lotus azoricus), allowed to triple the number of individuals of both species in the intervention areas of the project, also increasing the number of other native and endemic species and improving relevant coastal habitats in the Azores.

The involvement of the community, various public and private entities and tourists who visited the areas of intervention was also one of the main strengths of the project. Volunteering sessions were held with various groups, dissemination and communication materials were created, as well as an educational offer made available to schools and an active online presence ensured, through social networks and on the project website.

The LIFE VIDALIA project clearly contributed to the conservation of nature in the Azores, not only through the recovery of ecosystems but also in the promotion of Azorean biodiversity and good environmental practices, ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy the work carried out.

The project team leaves a heartfelt thanks to all those who somehow participated and supported LIFE VIDALIA.

The LIFE VIDALIA project, co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, was in force between 1 July, 2018 and 30 June, 2023, acting for the conservation of the Azorean Bellflower and the Azorean Lotus, two protected and priority species for conservation. The works for the preservation of these Azorean endemic flora species were carried out in twenty areas of intervention, spread over the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, where the protection and recovery of the respective natural habitats were carried out, through population reinforcement, the elimination of threats and environmental awareness.

With the end of the project, the maintenance of the project's intervention areas will continue to be ensured by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, through the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project.

Find out more about key developments and results achieved by LIFE VIDALIA by reading the non-technical report (Layman’s report) available at bit.ly/3ON9I8o.

Find out more about LIFE VIDALIA at www.lifevidalia.eu/en/ .