The invasive species Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) is currently one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in mainland Portugal, causing severe imbalances in the ecosystems where it is found due to its rapid dispersal.

This species is also beginning to take on a new dimension in the Azores. It is already present in some natural areas and in private and public gardens, where it is used as an ornamental plant.

In this context, the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, as a member of the National Strategy to Combat Pampas Grass, and the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project have emphasised the importance and urgency of acting quickly to control this invasive species, especially before the peak of seed production. To this end, they have mobilised the operational teams of all the projects on all the islands to identify and intervene in known populations of Pampas Grass.

However, in addition to this joint action between the projects and the Environmental and Climate Action Services, it is necessary to consider that on some islands, such as Pico and São Miguel, there is already a significant number of specimens on private property, as well as on land belonging to municipalities and parish councils. It is therefore considered pertinent to involve other public organisations in this intervention.

To this end, the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project is distributing posters and information leaflets for its communication campaign on this species. These materials link to the good practice manual that presents control methods.