The tasks of elimination of both fauna and exotic flora will be carried out in at least 52 hectares of protected territory of the Natura 2000 Network.
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Menorca Biosphere Reserve Agency
The Menorca Biosphere Reserve Agency of the Consell Insular prepares the hiring of a brigade formed by four specialized workers to carry out tasks of elimination of invasive exotic fauna and flora in several areas of the Natura 2000 Network on the island. Specifically, the work will be carried out in a minimum area of 52 hectares of protected territory, with special attention to coastal areas of the island and freshwater environments such as streams, generally very fragile places of high ecological interest due to the presence of endemic species.
The hiring of this brigade is part of a comprehensive project of control, study and awareness of alien species presented by the Island Council to the GOIB and has received funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment through the funds of the Plan for Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Next Generation of the European Union. In addition to the work to be carried out by the brigade, the project also includes vertical works of control and elimination of alien species on cliffs, the updating of a detailed mapping of the distribution of invasive alien species in Menorca, and the organization of various awareness-raising activities such as educational workshops, exhibitions, publication of informative material or collective actions and citizen participation in the elimination of invasive species.
The budget foreseen for the brigade is 110,908.00 € (VAT excluded) for a one-year tender with two-year extensions. The estimated value of the three-year contract is €332,724.00, excluding VAT.
The Agency executes tasks of control and elimination of invasive since 2015 within the Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity to the Biosphere Reserve of Menorca, which is part of the Action Plan of the Biosphere Reserve of Menorca. “The Next Generation funds made available by the Government allow us to give continuity to the work carried out in the Department of Environment on invasive species, expanding its impact and the means at its disposal for these tasks so important for the conservation of our biodiversity,” stressed the Councilor for Environment, Biosphere Reserve and Cooperation of the Consell Insular, Simón Gornés.
Invasive alien species are the second cause of biodiversity loss worldwide, only behind the direct loss of habitats, and its importance is even greater in island territories such as the island of Menorca, much more vulnerable because of the existence of endemic species unique in the world.
Among the most problematic plant species are the so-called “potato chip” (Carpobrotus sp.), Cenchrus villosum and Cenchrus setaceus, while among the most problematic animal species is the Florida tortoise.