Project objectives

The SEEDFORCE main goal is to improve the conservation status of 29 Annex II species with an Unfavourable- Inadequate (19) or Unfavourable-Bad (10) conservation status occurring in 76 Natura 2000 SCI/SACs.

Furthermore, specific conservation objectives of SEEDFORCE are:

– to reinforce, reintroduce and introduce 139 populations of 29 target species as appropriate in 76 Natura 2000 sites.

– to improve habitat quality in the 76 SCI/SACs covering 450,250 ha, ensuring that each site can support a viable population of the target species by means of fencing, cutting grass, removing shrubs and trees, eradicating alien invasive species as appropriate for each target site and species, adopting international standards.

– to collect target species germplasm, without affecting the natural reproductive potential of the donor population, process and store it for long-term conservation

– to propagate target species, producing a total of no less than 50,000 individuals, making use of the facilities at each partner’s site, including seed germination labs and nurseries.

– to monitor and maintain in each Natura 2000 site optimal conditions for the survival of the translocated material in partnership with the managing authorities.

– to deliver in partnership with ISPRA (the technical services of the Ministry of the Environment) guidelines and training for the management of each Natura 2000 site to grant favorable conditions for the long-term survival of each target species.

– to develop long-term agreements with the managing authorities of the 76 target SCI/SACs to grant the long-term survival of each target species giving implementation to the existing national framework

– to offer Italy an effective tool to meet its contractual obligation and shortcomings related to the infringement procedure (2015/2163).

– to cure plant blindness reaching out to the public to increase support for plant conservation, highlighting flagship species unique to a specific territory via websites, social media, printed matter and plant displays in key cities.

Additional objectives contributing to other EU policies are:

– contribute to the Common Agricultural Policy, making sure RDF includes actions to conserve Habitats Directive species

– boost economic development in the plant production sector introducing native species as garden plants

– contribute to education and training at all levels.