The the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is participating in the LIFE PHOENIX project. The aim of the project is to restore and protect palm grove habitats in Crete and the Canary Islands by highlighting their unique beauty and importance. In Europe there are only two species of native palms of the genus Phoenix, Phoenix canariensis and P. theophrasti, which grow in the Canary Islands (Spain) and Crete (Greece). These create a wide ecological system, from agricultural crops to natural stands, and their uniqueness justifies their inclusion in Annex I of European Directive 92/43/EEC and their designation as a Priority Habitat (Code 9370* 'Phoenix palm forests').
Both species face serious threats, such as climate change (fires, heat waves), pests and invasive alien species, hybridisation, overgrazing and visitor pressure (tourism). The LIFE PHOENIX project includes conservation actions such as habitat restoration and reforestation, information, and awareness-raising to minimise threats. The LIFE PHOENIX project (code LIFE22 NAT/ES/101113584) is coordinated by the Spanish GESPLAN, with partners from Greece the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the University of Crete, and Homeotech, and from Spain the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Institute of Agricultural Research of the Canary Islands and the University of Las Palmas of the Canary Islands.
At the kick-off meeting of the LIFE PHOENIX project, which was helpd onnline οn the 6th and the 8th of November 2023, participants discussed the actions, the implementation schedule, administrative and management issues, and possible future challenges for the implementation of the project. The duration of the project is 60 months and It is worth mentioning that a significant part of the budget will be spent in the region of Crete, enhancing the protection of the natural environment and the local community. In addition, the results of the project will be disseminated through scientific conferences, public information, and stakeholder information, such as schools, hotels, institutions active in the field, agricultural cooperatives, businesses, etc.
European palm forests are a rare and valuable natural asset worth protecting and promoting!
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 of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
