The Azores Bullfinch LIFE project will be distinguished in Brussels on Monday with the “Best of the Best – Nature” prize, which is awarded to the five best LIFE Nature projects developed across Europe under this programme of the European Commission (EC).

The European LIFE programme co-finances dozens of projects for the preservation of species and habitats in Europe each year, being a major tool to preserve European biodiversity which is currently at the service of the EC countries.

Since 2008, the LIFE unit of EC has sought to distinguish the “Nature” projects that stand out the most, whether for accomplishing their goals, whether for bringing assets.

Of the more than 70 completed projects across Europe during 2008-2009, the EC has chosen the 23 best Nature projects, among which there are two Portuguese projects: the Azores Bullfinch LIFE project and the Marine IBAs LIFE project.

The Azores Bullfinch LIFE project has now been chosen as one of the five “Best of the Best” projects. The prize will be awarded in Brussels on Monday during the conference “LIFE Nature & Biodiversity - Preparing the Future.”

The Regional Director for the Environment, Frederico Cardigos, who is attending a seminar on the future funding of the LIFE Programme in Brussels, will also attend the recognition ceremony of the Azorean project.

The Azores Bullfinch LIFE Project was coordinated by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds and the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, and was developed in a partnership with the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources, the Nordeste Town Hall and the Environmental Preservation and Protection Centre of the University of the Azores. The Executive Director of the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, Luís Costa, will receive the prize in Brussels. 

The Azores Bullfinch is a small bird whose habitat is confined to the area of Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. This species was threatened by the disappearance of much of the island’s natural vegetation.

Amongst other measures, this award-winning initiative has allowed interventions in the recovery of the natural habitat which includes the replanting of endemic species in a place now planted with Cryptomeria and the planting of an orchard to feed bird throughout the year.

In addition, over 80 activities addressed at the school community have been carried out, covering over 4,200 students, teachers and employees.

These actions included lectures at schools, visits to the project and contest, amongst other initiatives.

The participation in several fairs, exhibitions and organised trips were open to the public in general; the team in charge of the project organised and participated in nearly 135 initiatives, which have involved several thousands of people.