Frequently Asked Questions

This programme contributes to the preservation of Maio’s biodiversity and habitats by monitoring species and the threats they face, restoring ecosystems through plant production and controlling invasive species, and active surveillance with the support of authorities. It also promotes scientific research to support conservation, raises awareness among communities and visitors about the importance of protected areas, and implements infrastructure for controlled and sustainable tourism.
120 native and endemic species;

1 species of land crab;

11 species of lichen - to be started;

2 species of terrestrial reptiles;

30 species of waders and terrestrial birds;

+-200 insect species - to be started;

The increase or decrease of these species within protected areas are early warning indicators of good or bad protected area management.
Through the hiring and involvement of men and women in ecosystem restoration activities (such as the production of plants in the plant nurseries in the communities, the removal of the invasive species Proshophis juliflora and the transplanting of native and endemic plants), the production of signage and the painting of panels installed in the Aps, and through the creation of fodder fields for livestock by the shepherds.

Training in sustainable farming techniques and the donation of vegetable and fruit plants and seeds to the communities also plays an important role in this panorama.
The Protected Areas programme includes an environmental education component, which helps to disseminate information about the importance of these areas, the rules to follow and the work carried out. It also supports the authorities by providing guards, fuel and vehicles for enforcement actions.

At the same time, it ensures continuous surveillance of protected areas, reporting any illegal activities to the environmental authorities.
The Protected Areas programme includes an environmental education component, which helps to disseminate information about the importance of these areas, the rules to follow and the work carried out. It also supports the authorities by providing guards, fuel and vehicles for enforcement actions.

At the same time, it ensures continuous surveillance of protected areas, reporting any illegal activities to the environmental authorities.
Publication of scientific articles, preparation of reports on the state of Maio's species and ecosystems, and contribution to the preparation of important official documents, such as the POOC, the management plan for protected areas, the Biosphere Reserve, as well as environmental impact studies, including the new port project and the futuristic Little Africa Maio project.

The Program

Protected Areas

THE PROGRAM

Objective

Improving surveillance and conservation of terrestrial protected areas (CAPM)

Key Actions

Monitoring of human activities (legal and illegal) with the support of authorities.
Requalification of infrastructures within protected areas.
Monitoring of bioindicator species and restoration of ecosystems (control of invasive species, planting of native species).
Support for science and dissemination of results.
Community involvement through awareness-raising and environmental education actions.

Information

The Protected Areas Program – “Nature Watchers” was created within the scope of the CAPM Management Plan, with the aim of strengthening the conservation and recovery of habitats, species and landscapes on the island.

Its mission is to improve the monitoring system for these areas through a strategic action plan that focuses on six fronts:

increasing the surveillance of human activities,
requalifying infrastructure,
monitoring bioindicator species,
restoring degraded ecosystems,
promoting scientific research,
actively involving the local community in awareness-raising
and conservation actions.

The program operates continuously, with schedules adjusted to ecological needs, and reports regularly through quarterly and annual reports.

Maio is a natural treasure and conserving its fauna and flora is essential to maintaining the island's balance.

Maio is a true natural paradise, and we believe it is our responsibility to protect everything that makes it unique! The Protected Areas Programme’s mission is to monitor and protect the island’s fauna and flora and support the management of the Biosphere Reserve, in collaboration with the authorities and local communities.

We monitor diverse species of plants, birds and reptiles, among others, working to ensure that protected areas continue to be preserved.

We are giving Maio a voice, publishing scientific studies and contributing to environmental policies at a national level, so that the island’s future will be increasingly green and healthy. Since 2016, we have been part of the Joint Monitoring Unit, joining forces with NGOs and the government to ensure that our environment is treated with the respect it deserves.

Together we protect and celebrate Maio’s natural wonders, so that they persist!