Iberian Week on Invasive Species 2023

Iberian Week on Invasive Species is back! This year, Rota Vicentina has prepared a series of nature conservation activities focused on invasive species education and awareness, taking place between May 13th to 15th.

Invasive exotic species are plants or animals introduced in a place far from their origin and they can quickly conquer ecosystems due to their easy adaptation, effective propagation and dispersion methods and lack of natural enemies. This can reduce the diversity of native species and impact natural resources.

Since 2018, Rota Vicentina has been taking action to control invasive species, specifically invasive plant species – such as long-leaved wattle and sour fig – which are putting at risk important habitats like sea-sand juniper’s (Juniperus navicularis), Alteirinhos’ Junipers pilot area (in Zambujeira-do-Mar) and Mediterranean Temporary ponds, in the pilot area ​​of Malhão’s Ponds(Vila Nova de Milfontes).

On Saturday, May 13th, we’ll gather in the pilot area Alteirinhos’ Junipers to listen and learn with biologist and professor Paula Canha, in a Workshop on Trichi galls.

Trichi – short name for Trichilogaster acaciaelongifolieae – a small wasp that feeds on the long-leaved wattle and helps control the spread of this species.

On May 14th, Sunday, we return once again to Rota Vicentina’s pilot area Alteirinhos’ Junipers, to discover the habitat that gives it its name and the species that we strive to preserve. In an interpretive walk, of about 3km, we’re going to learn and talk about how to protect the sea-sand juniper.

Finally, on Monday, May 15th, we’ll have the third invasive species activity at Escola Básica nº1 de Odemira, with an awareness-raising and environmental education action for students. We’ll teach basic knowledge and information so that they can understand what invasive species are and the dangers they represent, through the use of games and content created within the Life Volunteer Escapes project.. This action will not be open for registration.

These and other actions within the scope of SEI 2023 will be available all over the country. Look for them on the map near you. If you are unable to attend these activities but want to learn and contribute to the control of invasive species, join one of the other conservation actions we have on our Volunteering calendar.