Marta Vergílio

Assessing the efficiency of protected areas to represent biodiversity: a small island case study

Protected areas (PAs) have been selected using either subjective or objective criteria applied to an extremely limited subset of biodiversity. Improved availability of species distribution data, better statistical tools to predict species distributions and algorithms to optimize spatial conservation planning allow many impediments to be overcome, particularly on small islands. This study analyses whether 219 species are adequately protected by PAs on Pico Island (the Azores, Portugal), and if they are as efficient as possible, maximizing species protection while minimizing costs. We performed distribution modelling of species’ potential distributions, proposed individual conservation targets (considering the context of each species in the archipelago and their current conservation status) to determine the efficiency of current PAs in meeting such targets and identify alternative or complementary areas relevant for conservation. Results showed that current PAs do not cover all taxa, leaving out important areas for conservation. We demonstrate that by using optimization algorithms it is possible to include most species groups in spatial conservation planning in the Azores with the current resources. With increasing availability of data and methods, this approach could be readily extended to other islands and regions with high endemism levels.

Spatial planning and resource use in the Azores

This paper examines spatial energy consumption patterns under the Green Islands Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Portugal Program. The project consisted of the elaboration of a Global Scenario: the assembly of all different land use scenarios established among different Spatial Plans, to understand the future demand for energy in the Azores. To achieve this, all Spatial Plans were assessed and the pattern of land use/energy consumption presented. Based on foreseen land use, future demand for energy was determined. Measures to minimize the effects of production and consumption were also assessed and presented. This study demonstrates that demand for energy in the Azores will increase in the future, with the urban and agricultural sectors being mostly responsible for that growth. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) mechanisms and tools associated with effective forest management seem to be a possible solution to decrease the negative effects of demand for energy growth. The development of a new research area based on Strategic Spatial Planning for Energy Consumption Reduction and REDD strategies is recommended.

Spatial planning in small islands: the need to discuss the concept of ecological structure

Abstract The concepts of green infrastructure and ecological structure (ES) are current topics of discussion among the scientific community and spatial planners. ES is mandatory in Portugal in land-planning, such as municipal master plans, but no consensus has been reached on how to implement it. The concept has not yet been implemented in the Azores, a Portuguese autonomous region, even though the Region has the responsibility of adapting legislation or accomplishing the Portuguese legislature. This study presents a critical analysis of the available literature about ES and proposes a conceptual framework to define ES for small islands, which have unique characteristics, focusing on the Azorean archipelago. The conceptual framework meets the requirements of local legislation and uses an ecological function approach that is increasingly advocated in recent European recommendations. This framework is presented as a strategic and flexible way to identify both the important elements (recognized in current legislation) in a territory and the remaining potential of the territory. The framework also supports decision-making by allowing the identification of integrated solutions, decreasing trade-offs as much as possible and reconciling the needs of nature conservation and socioeconomic development. This framework could be applied to other small islands and other territories, with local adaptations.

The concept of the Portuguese National Ecological Reserve: constraints and impossibilities in the Azores Archipelago

The biophysical features of small islands (SI) distinguish them from other territories; isolation, small size and several anthropogenic pressures reduce the resilience of ecosystems and increase their vulnerability to global changes. Many SI have a shortage of infrastructures, institutions and technical/financial resources that hinder planning and require different integrated solutions. In Portugal, the National Ecological Reserve (NER) is legally binding for spatial planning instruments. It aims to defend natural values and areas of ecological value, or sensibility, or susceptible to natural hazards. However, the criteria for the design of NER are strictly set for mainland territory, not taking into account specific features of small islands. A case study of the Azores Archipelago is used to demonstrate that spatial planning instruments should be adapted to island contexts. Such adaptation will increase the effectiveness of their implementation in relation to the protection of natural resources, stability of biophysical structures and prevention of natural hazards. Observing the main differences between mainland and the Azores Archipelago it is possible to define a methodological transposition of the NER aims and goals into an island context. This approach is an answer to the constraints in effective adaptation of spatial planning instruments for islands.

Ecosystem functions at the island scale: a contribution to the design of ecological structure

ABSTRACT The concept of ecological structure (ESt), as implemented through spatial planning, has been recently used to protect ecosystem functions (EFs) and services and their contribution to human well-being. This study intends to provide an exploratory analysis to operationalize the inclusion of EFs in the design of ESt in territories lacking detailed individual studies on EFs. The objective is to advance this concept in small island ecosystems and use Pico Island (Portugal) as case study. The proposed methodology identifies EFs contributing to the objectives of ESt. It uses (i) geographic data available from studies on individual EFs and (ii) definition of territorial units (TUs), based on biophysical features, used as cartographic units to assign and map remaining EFs. A total of 15 EFs were selected among three main categories: natural regulation (10), support (3) and cultural (2) functions. Geographic data are available for carbon storage and groundwater recharge. To assign the remaining EFs, a total of 86 TUs were defined. The performed analysis suggested that the use of EFs, along with multi-criteria decision-making techniques, could successfully contribute to define ESt and integrate it into spatial planning on Pico Island and other small islands systems. EDITED BY Christina von Haaren

Assessing the efficiency of protected areas to represent biodiversity: a small island case study – CORRIGENDUM

Marta Vergílio would like to thank the Azorean Regional Fund for Science and Technology and the Pro-Emprego for funding the PhD Project M3.1.2/F/007/2011. The authors would like to thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), for funding the project PTDC/AAC-AMB/098786/2008. This work was also funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors COMPETE and by National Funds through FCT Foundation for Science and Technology under the project No. FCOMP-01-0124FEDER-037300 (Ref. FCT PEstC / BIA / UI0609 / 2013), UID/BIA/50027/2013, and POCI-01-0145-FEDER00682. Data on species distributions was gathered based on the European Union projects INTERREGIII B “ATLÂNTICO” (2004–2006) and BIONATURA (2006– 2008), and, more recently, ATLANTISMAR “Mapping coastal and marine biodiversity of the Azores” (Ref: M2.1.2/I/027/2011). The climatic modeling work of EBA was developed in the framework of the project “EstraMAR” (MAC/3/C177), which was supported by the European Union through the MAC Transnational Program of Cooperation – Madeira-Azores-Canaries.