PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The sea marigold (Calendula maritima) is a ‘critically endangered’ worldwide (according to the IUCN Red List, not evaluated in the EU yet) herbaceous plant species endemic to western coasts of Sicily and some surrounding islets. It lives within psammophilous and halophytic communities and colonises open nitrogen-rich areas mostly resulting from decaying remnants of sea grass (Posidonia oceanica) washed ashore, such as sandy and pebbly beaches, dunes, rocky coasts and cliffs. The species is a perennial, but following summer drought stress plant fluctuations can be observed after flowering and setting seed.
The sea marigold population is severely fragmented, and its remaining habitat is being reduced mainly by anthropogenic pressure. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that hybridisation with its relative Calendula fulgida could also represent a significant threat to the survival of this endangered species.
OBJECTIVES
The main goal of CalMarSi LIFE was to enhance the conservation of the sea marigold.
Specific actions aimed to focus on safeguarding the existing populations through the removal/mitigation of the main threats, as well as to enlarge the species distribution range. The threats included:
- Reduction and fragmentation of distribution area and further degradation of current habitats;
- Genetic pollution;
- Seasonal disturbances related to beach tourism;
- Competition from invasive alien plant species.
RESULTS
The project CalMarSi LIFE improved the conservation status of the target species by creating new subpopulations, reinforcing existing ones and reducing threats to the species.
Specific results included:
- Promulgation of the Presidential Decree of the Sicilian Region (DPRS n.339/2019) that protects C. maritima on the whole region Sicily;
- Reinforcement of three native populations of C. maritima – Ronciglio, Isola Colombaia and Isola Lunga – with a total of 1 025 plants (103 nuclei) on the total area of 5 927 square metres;
- Creation of three new populations by planting 1 177 individuals (118 nuclei on a total area of 5 601 m2);
- Construction of 1 375 metres of woody fence and 294 m of anti-rabbit fence in four sites;
- Clearing of the invasive alien species Carpobrotus edulis over 7 617 m2 in six C. maritima native populations;
- Production of around 3 000 seedlings, 2 784 of which were acclimatised in nursery
- Carrying out of awareness activities among local stakeholders and the signing of an agreement to protect C. maritima on a local and regional scale.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
