Coimbra Agrarian School has an ongoing research project to promote the conservation of endangered rare aquatic plants in Baixo Mondego and Dunas de Mira in the center of the country.

“Charcas de Noé” aims to “actively contribute to increasing knowledge of the distribution and conservation status of rare and endangered aquatic plants in Baixo Mondego and the Natura 2000 Dunas de Mira Site”.

With funding from the Environmental Fund, the research project “arose because Portugal has suffered a great loss of species and their distribution areas”, which is also reflected in the Red List of Vascular Plants of mainland Portugal. In the Red List aquatic plants are the most affected by species decline.

The project aims to “improve the state of conservation of the natural heritage”, namely by deepening the “knowledge of the distribution and conservation status” of threatened aquatic plants in those areas and the “freshwater biodiversity” and the prevention of “regional extinction of aquatic species”. ”

To achieve these and other objectives, the research team involved in ‘Charcas de Noé’ conducts “targeted search and participatory mapping, in-situ conservation actions at key sites for the preservation of existing rare and endangered plant populations. and in optimizing the cultivation of native aquatic species with ornamental value and their ex-situ conservation. ”

The Escola Superior Agrária intends to “multiply and then make indigenous aquatic species available to the municipalities of Baixo Mondego and bordering, to replace exotic plants in municipal lakes, ponds and ornamental ponds”.

The project, with funding of around 52,000 euros, is expected to be implemented by the end of 2020.

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