As part of action C4.1 “Good practices for the conservation of terrestrial habitats” of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, a team from the Pico Environment and Climate Change Service planted 480 specimens of Azorean Heather (Erica azorica) and Short Leafed Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia).

The seeds were collected in the intervention area by the Park Rangers and propagated by the Pico Island Forestry Services.

In addition, the specimens of each species were marked with individual identifiers so that the Pico Environment and Climate Change Service could monitor the survival and growth of the plants. From now on, regular maintenance of this plantation will be ensured.

This planting action was planned on Native Forest Day to emphasise the importance of restoring natural habitats, creating capacity for biodiversity conservation and preventing the extinction and fragmentation of ecosystems and the most vulnerable species.