Ecological Restoration and Conservation of Praia da Vitria Coastal Wet Green Infrastructure

The main objectives of the project are to:

* Recover and restore a network of wetlands in the coastal area of Praia da Vitória;

* Provide a larger and more suitable sheltered area for migratory birds in the likely scenario of increased frequency of storms at these latitudes;

* Increase the socio-economic sustainability of Praia da Vitória by increasing the ecological services of wet green infrastructure and its value to the local economy;

* Demonstrate the potential co-existence of highly populated areas and ecosystems rich in biodiversity, such as wetlands.

Expected results:

1. Ecology level:

* Increased biodiversity in the coastal area of Praia da Vitória;

* Establishment of a network of wetlands that integrates three areas with very different characteristics: • Paúl da Praia da Vitória: intersection zone of the base aquifer and sea water without dynamic (moving) dune; • Paul do Belo Jardim: possibility of recovering a wetland with dynamic dune; • Paul da Pedreira: wet areas with rocky substrate permeable to the rising tide and influenced by the surface micro-basin that comprises it;

* A larger wetland area with improved ecological conditions for supporting migratory birds in the North Atlantic;

* Restoration of populated wet areas;

* Increased visitation of migratory bird species;

* Increased numbers of species and individuals per resident species;

* Increased knowledge of the ecological functioning of coastal systems in this humid biogeographic region;

* Possible discovery of new species, resulting from the monitoring of communities of lesser known species such as arthropods or bryophytes.

2. Socio-economic level:

* Greater socio-economic sustainability;

* Development of an economic system based on the ecological services produced by the wet green infrastructure, including bird watching;

* Development of a more environmentally friendly and natural use of the territory;

* Creation of a team specialised in the restoration of wetlands;

* Increased number and duration of visits by international birdwatchers.