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.