Conservation of the Black Pine Forests of the Pyrenees

RProject Summary:

LIFE UNCINATA* was created with the aim of protecting and restoring the black pine (Pinus uncinata) forests of the Pyrenees, particularly the Priority Habitat of Community Interest 9430* (Montane and subalpine Pinus uncinata forests on gypsum or limestone substrates). The project focuses on restoring natural dynamics, improving the functional balance of the represented communities, and increasing resilience to climate change, taking into account current and future scenarios of the impacts affecting the habitat (wildfires, droughts, overuse…).

 

The resulting studies will contribute to assessing the conservation status of the habitat in the Pyrenees, following the mandate of Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. The project will support the development and management of the Natura 2000 network and contribute to achieving the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Direct conservation actions will be carried out in 6 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which together contain more than 50% of the habitat in the Pyrenees, although the habitat assessment will cover the entire regional distribution.

 

This is a European Union project under the LIFE Nature & Biodiversity program and will run for five years, until December 2027.

 

 

 

Expected results:

  • 6 habitat conservation plans at the SAC level
  • 9,491.13 ha of black pine managed under habitat conservation plans
  • 10 agreements with landowners (public and private)
  • 150 ha of habitat designated for free natural evolution
  • 150 ha of multifunctional (productive) forests with enhanced biodiversity
  • 2,006.5 ha with reduced wildfire risk
  • 80 ha of habitat excluded from domestic livestock grazing
  • 3.2 ha of habitat in wild ungulate exclusion zones
  • 100 ha of improved pastures in areas adjacent to the habitat
  • 1,000 ha of habitat with reduced visitor pressure

 

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

 

 


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Project partners:

  • CTFC (coordinator)
  • Orekan
  • Centre de la Propietat Forestal
  • CREAF
  • Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera

Affiliated entity:

  • Integra Pirineus