The LIFE VIDALIA project, implemented since July 1, 2018, aims to improve the conservation status of the endemic species Azorina vidalii (Azorean Bellflower) and Lotus azoricus on the islands of Faial, Pico and S. Jorge. In just two years, it contributed to the population growth of these Azorean native and endemic species in about 20,000 plants. 

The results of this project, designed by the Region under the European Union's LIFE Programme, are already evident in about 40 hectares of intervened territory, from where invasive alien species and waste have also been removed. 

After two years, the progress of the work is already visible in the intervention areas of Morro de Castelo Branco and Monte da Guia (Faial Island), Ponta da Ilha (Pico Island) and Fajã dos Cubres (São Jorge Island). 

Also, under the scope of LIFE VIDALIA, there are works in progress to expand the nursery of rare plants of Faial Botanical Garden, which will soon have new greenhouse and storage areas. 

With a budget of 250 thousand Euros, this public investment will substantially increase the capacity of Faial Botanical Garden to promote the "ex situ" conservation of Azorean flora species, particularly those in danger or at risk of extinction. 

Accordingly, a new protocol of propagation of Lotus azoricus was also created to ensure successful restocking of natural habitats, which contributed to a very significant increase in the germination rate of this rare species from 27% to 85%.

Implemented by the Regional Directorate for the Environment, in partnership with Azorina, the LIFE VIDALIA project is co-financed by the LIFE Programme. It represents an investment of about 1.8 million Euros aimed at increasing the natural populations of species and reduce their threats. 

To date, the 10 new direct jobs have been created in the context of this project, which intends to increase the population of Azorina vidalii by more than 200% and Lotus azoricus by more than 400%. There are also plans for conservation works in all Natura 2000 sites on the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, where populations of the target species are found. 

Those who are interested may obtain more information and follow the evolution of the LIFE VIDALIA project, namely the activities developed with the involvement of local and school communities, as well as the actions already carried out, with initiatives involving more than half a thousand participants, at www.lifevidalia.eu or on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LIFE.VIDALIA/.