The LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, visited the headquarters of its partner SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, on São Miguel, for an internal training session (Action C2.1).

The meeting aimed to reinforce preparations for Action C14.1, dedicated to the integrated assessment and mitigation of the negative impacts of tourism on the Nature Trails of the Azores Natura 2000 Network.

During the session, SPEA shared its extensive experience in the construction and installation of wooden walkways, gained across different habitats and terrain types. Among the topics covered were:

– Wood selection criteria;

– Ideal dimensions for boards and beams;

– Ground fixing techniques;

– Treatment methods that increase the durability of structures in environments with high rainfall and humidity.

This sharing of technical knowledge strengthens cooperation between partners and contributes to greater efficiency and quality in the implementation of project actions. The result will be sustainable infrastructure that simultaneously supports the recovery of natural habitats and enhances the visitor experience.