The LIFE FLUVIAL project, during its After-LIFE phase, continues to monitor the impact of specific conservation actions on the target habitats. Action C4 was carried out on the left bank of the Betanzos Estuary, within the municipality of Bergondo, to restore habitats in the area located within the Betanzos-Mandeo SAC (ES1110007). The action, consisting of the removal of invasive alien plant species and the creation of three ponds as biotopes for flora and fauna of interest, allowed for the recovery of the natural state and functionality of two areas that previously had little conservation value and served as a source of invasive species for the rest of SAC. Therefore, it was of great importance for achieving the objectives of LIFE FLUVIAL.
During the monitoring period, the natural dynamics and proper development of the plant formations that make up the target habitats were verified, with positive colonization by Typha spp. and Juncus spp. in the ponds created by the project. The appearance of invasive species, such as Cyperus eragrostis and Conyza spp., allows for the development of actions for their control and elimination, replicating the results and methodologies developed by the project.
The functionality of the three ponds is entirely natural. Two of the ponds function as temporary ponds, since they dry up during the dry season, while the third retains water year-round, functioning as a permanent pond (although in the summer it maintains a very shallow surface of water).
Moreover, the recovery of other components of the ecosystem has also been verified. Thus, adult individuals of dragonflies (Lestes sp., Sympetrum sp.) and amphibians (Disclogossus galganoi, Phelophylax perezzi) have been detected, as well as larval individuals of the latter.
Public use of the area is moderate. The participation and collaboration of IBADER and ADR Mariñas-Betanzos has also proven to be a valuable asset, allowing the project’s results to be aligned with the objectives of Directive 92/43/EEC and Natura 2000, as well as ensuring the restoration is compatible with the area’s socioeconomic conditions. Following the LIFE FLUVIAL project, the Bergondo Town Council improved one of the parking areas and installed additional signage, and regularly maintains the paths surrounding the ponds. All of this fosters synergy between project beneficiaries and local entities, ensuring the upkeep of the site features and guaranteeing their continued functionality and sustainability.
