As part of the Biodiversa+ project meeting, which formed part of the “BiodivTransform Launch Event”, the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, was present at the Lagoa das Sete Cidades Environmental Complex with its travelling exhibition, in an event organised by the project manager for around 70 participants.

This initiative provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the LIFE Programme, highlighting its strategic role in supporting nature conservation, as well as the importance of LIFE IP AZORES NATURA in protecting biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services in the Azores.

During the session, the relevance of the actions carried out in the archipelago to enhance the Azores’ natural heritage – both terrestrial and marine – was emphasised, as was the importance of integrating scientific knowledge into decision-making and the formulation of public policies, particularly regarding the management of invasive alien species.

The project’s participation in this meeting forms part of Biodiversa+ – European Biodiversity Partnership, a European partnership launched in 2021 by BiodivERsA and the European Commission, which aims to support excellence in biodiversity research that has a direct impact on public policy and society. This partnership contributes to the objectives of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to put European nature on a path to recovery by 2030 and ensure that people live in harmony with nature by 2050.

The event was hosted by the Regional Science and Technology Fund, bringing together projects, researchers and organisations from different fields and countries, promoting the sharing of knowledge, the creation of synergies and the development of future collaborations.

This event provided yet another opportunity to publicise the activities, results and objectives of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, as well as to strengthen networking with other projects and organisations, thereby contributing directly to Actions E2 and E3 of the project. With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.