Browsing by Author "Calado, Helena"
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- Assessing the efficiency of protected areas to represent biodiversity : a small island case studyPublication . Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Fonseca, Catarina; Calado, Helena; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Martins, António; Azevedo, Eduardo B.; Cardoso, PedroProtected areas (PAs) have been selected using either subjective or objective criteria applied to an extremely limited subset of biodiversity. Improved availability of species distribution data, better statistical tools to predict species distributions and algorithms to optimize spatial conservation planning allow many impediments to be overcome, particularly on small islands. This study analyses whether 219 species are adequately protected by PAs on Pico Island (theAzores, Portugal), and if they are as efficient as possible, maximizing species protection while minimizing costs. We performed distribution modelling of species’ potential distributions, proposed individual conservation targets (considering the context of each species in the archipelago and their current conservation status) to determine the efficiency of current PAs in meeting such targets and identify alternative or complementary areas relevant for conservation. Results showed that current PAs do not cover all taxa, leaving out important areas for conservation. We demonstrate that by using optimization algorithms it is possible to include most species groups in spatial conservation planning in the Azores with the current resources. With increasing availability of data and methods, this approach could be readily extended to other islands and regions with high endemism levels.
- Avaliar a eficiência das áreas protegidas para representar a biodiversidade: o caso de estudo de uma pequena ilhaPublication . Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Fonseca, Catarina; Calado, Helena; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Elias, Rui B.; Gabriel, Rosalina; Martins, António; Azevedo, Eduardo B.; Cardoso, Pedro[…]. Nos Açores podem ser encontradas inúmeras espécies endémicas que tornam este arquipélago importante, do ponto de vista da conservação dos valores naturais. A rede de APs nos Açores está organizada em Parques Naturais de Ilha, no Parque Marinho dos Açores e em APs de importância local. O Parque Natural de Ilha (PNI) engloba diferentes categorias de áreas terrestres e marinhas, que possuem diferentes objectivos de conservação. No sentido de avaliar a adequação dos actuais limites das APs do ponto de vista da conservação das espécies, tendo a Ilha do Pico como caso de estudo, foram analisadas 219 espécies nativas dos Açores (briófitos, plantas vasculares, moluscos, artrópodes e vertebrados), na sua maioria endémicas. […].
- Beyond words: Outreach and science education for Generation AlphaPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Calado, HelenaIn the last decades, there has been an increase in science education out of the school grounds, as well as growing interactions between researchers and the general public in outreach actions. In this regard, it is important to turn science into something meaningful to the non-academic public, and even involve them in data collection. The communication of science to elementary and middle schoolers is becoming more challenging as the age gap between children and researchers grows. Besides, Gen Alpha are usually born in small families, with increasingly less contact with their piers out of school and sport clubs, being somewhat resistant to exploratory or non-routine activities. One approach to reach this public is to take them out of the classroom, letting them make and answer questions as they observe the subjects. To engage in a successful communication, one needs to learn their “language” and be able to make comparisons with games, songs, and choreography they know and like. Another approach is to use games, from adapting simple board games to creating interactive games with virtual reality. Ultimately, the goal is to pass a message so simple and interesting that they easily and eagerly communicate it further to friends and family.
- CRYPTO Project - What we found so farPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Fredericq, Suzanne; Teixeira, Carlos E. P.; Calado, HelenaABSTRACT: The presence of non-indigenous species (NIS) is one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity, presenting potential impacts not only on biodiversity, but also on the economy and public health. When a species is not evidently native or introduced, it is referred to as cryptogenic, an occurrence with consequences for understanding biological invasions. The subregion Azores, with 30% of the EU exclusive economic zone, has 26 species of macroalgae or 6% of its marine flora identified as NIS. This number may increase once the origin of 40 other species that are classified as cryptogenic is clarified. Since many potentially invasive species are currently categorized as cryptogenic, resolving their status is imperative to evaluate their ecological impact and to develop management plans. The CRYPTO Project targets on assessing the origin, distribution and risk of potentially invasive algae, coupled with the application of DNA barcoding, phylogenetic reconstructions, haplotype networks and phylogeographic analyses, coupled with historical assessment and ocean modeling. This project shall contribute to address the EU Horizon 2020’s societal challenge “Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials”, aiming at the protection of the environment and the conservation of unique Azorean ecosystems. Preliminary results will be presented.
- Divertir-se a aprender : abordagem interativa na divulgação e educação científicaPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Ferreira, A. Isabel; Calado, HelenaO que é um cientista? Como se faz investigação científica? Quais silo as diferenças entre os diferentes organismos? Onde encontramos esses diferentes organismos? Como os podemos ver em detalhe? Que detalhes devemos procurar? Ou ainda, quando falamos de algas. Quantos tipos de algas existem? Qual a importância das macroalgas marinhas? Que diferença faz. para a vida cotidiana, se as algas silo nativas ou introduzidas nos Açores? Como as algas não nativas são introduzidas nos Açores? O que é possível fazer para evitar invasões no meio aquático? Tantas perguntas surgem facilmente no público, quando expostos a temas científicos. Mas como gerar um ambiente propício a este diálogo? Obviamente que parte da resposta passa pela capacitação dos professores que têm um papel fundamental na formação dos seus alunos e tão bem os conhecem, mas que nem sempre têm o tempo e os recursos necessários. […].
- Espaço Marítimo NacionalPublication . Calado, Helena[…]. No dia 16 de Janeiro de 2015, teve lugar na Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCSH-UNL), uma sessão organizada pelo CICS.NOVA e CIBIOAçores, promovida pelos Professores Helena Calado e Carlos Pereira da Silva, para debater a proposta de diploma aprovada em Conselho de Ministros de 8 de Janeiro, que desenvolve a Lei no 17/2114, de 10 de Abril. Os intervenientes reunidos, de vários sectores da academia e da sociedade civil, salientaram de forma unanime a fragilidade do documento, mostrando enorme apreensão sobre vários dos seus aspectos, em particular: a falta de ligação com o sistema de planeamento terrestre, os conflitos existentes com o estatuto das regiões autónomas, a dificuldade de operacionalização de alguns dos conceitos expressos de forma vaga, o tratamento diferencial de actividades e, ainda, a menorizacao da salvaguarda dos valores ambientais existentes. Estas preocupações encontram reflexo nos comentários e questões partilhados pela assistência. […].
- Expert knowledge-based co-development of scenarios for maritime spatial planning in the Northeast AtlanticPublication . Calado, Helena; Pegorelli, Camila; Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Hipólito, Cláudia; Campos, Aldino; Moniz, Fabiana; Costa, Ana Cristina; Silva, C. Pereira da; Fonseca, Catarina; Santos, C. Frazão; Gabriel, Daniela; Guerreiro, J.; Gil, Artur José Freire; Johnson, David; Ng, Kiat; Monwar, M. M.; Ventura, Maria A.; Suárez-de Vivero, J. L.; Pinho, Mário Rui; Borges, Paulo Jorge Soares de Amaral; Caña-Varona, Mario; Papaioannou, E. A.Scenarios constitute narratives or storylines that reasonably describe how the future is likely to unfold. The usefulness of scenarios in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is now recognised within policy and research, with many institutions urging the development of likely trajectories in the future state of the marine environment and space. However, little progress exists in the actual development and application of actual scenario building approaches. This paper presents the methodology and results of such an approach developed within the framework of the “Geographical and Political Scenarios in Maritime Spatial Planning for the Azores and North Atlantic (GPS Azores)” project. A scenario-building approach for MSP in the area is developed and future scenarios’ storylines are formulated through the active engagement of regional experts. Outcomes from the analysis enable identifying the major risks and opportunities in the management and use of marine space and key maritime sectors, under different scenarios. Three storylines are developed representing distinct trajectories in the use and governance of marine space: (i) Nature at Work; (ii) Business-as-usual; and (iii) Blue Development. Final storylines are the outcome of intense experts’ engagement throughout the scenario-building exercise, stressing the usefulness of such participative approaches. Results can assist policymakers in the context of an adaptive and participatory MSP approach. The methodology can be tailored to other regions, while results can be revisited and adapted as new information and knowledge emerge.
- Integrated water management in the Seven Cities basinPublication . Dentinho, Tomaz P.; Porteiro, João; Calado, Helena; Silva, Emiliana; Fontes, José C.; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Marques, João; Jonker, Richard; Ferreira, JoséThe Sete Cidades lake in the Azores, is located in a volcanic crater. Increased frequency of logging (380 hectares of production forests) and the use of fertilizers on pastures and forages (450 hectares) that sustain 750 cows, provide direct employment to 67 farmers and induce employment to more 50 actives, but also increases the eutrophycation and sedimentation of the lake. To address the issue an integrated model generates efficient land use scenarios for different degrees of phosphorus emissions with related effects in the water quality. The model is used to obtain various indicators for each scenario that feed a multi-objective program able to find the dominant solutions. The final solution is chosen by the politicians: 600 cows that produce 3.0 millions of milk, provide direct employment to 55 farmers and induce employment to more 41 actives. This, jointly with a partial stream deviation, allows a reduction of 63% of the phosphorus load to the lake. Compensatory measures pay the farmers their losses and compensate the community for the lost employment.
- Os limites de fronteira e a fluidez do marPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Calado, Helena[…]. Assim como um agente de fronteira não conhece todos os viajantes que por ele passam, também não existe conhecimento sobre todas as espécies marinhas que chegam aos Açores. Tal como nem todos os centímetros de fronteira podem ser controlados, não é possível monitorizar toda a costa açoriana. No entanto, é preciso criar meios para auxiliar os decisores públicos a detetar, controlar e erradicar os riscos a que as nossas águas podem estar sujeitas. Neste sentido, o Projeto CRYPTO - (AÇORES-01-0145-FEDER-0000091), que se iniciou a 1 de maio de 2010, é que terá a duração de 3 anos, pretende determinar a origem, distribuição e risco de algas potencialmente invasoras, com base na aplicação de técnicas avançadas como códigos de barra de ADN e modelação oceanográfica, visando a proteção do ambiente é a conservação do singular ecossistema açoriano.
- Mapping recreational ecosystem services from stakeholders' perspective in the AzoresPublication . Seijo Núñez, Cristina; Calado, Helena; McClintock, William; Gil, Artur José Freire; Fonseca, CatarinaMapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) in Europe’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) is still underdeveloped compared to the European mainland. Most of those territories are small islands for which Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) constitute a significant resource and provide important provisioning, regulating and cultural Ecosystem Services (ES). Understanding the cultural dimension of ecosystems and considering the cultural benefits and values associated with them, demands methodological plurality, flexibility and creativity. This study focused on two activities related to recreational ES (recreational fishing and recreational SCUBA diving) that are particularly relevant to São Miguel Island (Archipelago of the Azores, Portugal). Stakeholders were interviewed using SeaSketch, a participatory mapping tool in which they indicated where they conduct recreational fishing and scuba diving, the relative value of those areas, in terms of preference over other areas and their willingness to relinquish them for the purpose of conservation. Responses were aggregated and represented in maps showing key areas for the provision of recreational ES around São Miguel. This approach can be used in the Azorean Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process and other on-going conservation initiatives, to better understand the trade-offs between relevant socio-economic activities and to support negotiations between the government and groups of stakeholders.