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- 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.
- Taxonomic, structural diversity and carbon stocks in a gradient of island forestsPublication . Silva, Lurdes da Conceição Borges; Pavão, Diogo Cláudio; Elias, Rui B.; Moura, Mónica; Ventura, Maria A.; Silva, LuísAssessment of forest ecosystems and their services is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and to inform the development and implementation of related policies and planning. The Azorean forest is important for timber production, the protection of soil and water resources, and for its recreational and aesthetic value. However, its role in carbon accumulation has not been fully addressed. We assessed plant diversity, forest structure and carbon stocks in a gradient of three forest types (Natural Forest-NF; Exotic Woodland-EW and Production Forest-PF) in three of the Azores islands. We used biodiversity indices and found that NF harboured the highest plant diversity levels and PF the lowest. Diversity levels were lower for structural than for taxonomic data, particularly for PF. The highest tree carbon stock was found at EW in one of the islands, while PF consistently exhibited relatively high tree carbon stocks in the three islands. The largest soil carbon stocks were found at EW, while leaf litter carbon stocks were higher at PF. We concluded that NF play a fundamental role as plant diversity hotspots but have lower relevance as carbon stocks what might be associated with montane environmental conditions. PFs provide economic assets and act as carbon sinks, while EWs play a major role as carbon sinks in soil, but also at tree level in the oldest forests.
- Recursos naturais e o papel da formação no desenvolvimento do ecoturismo nos Açores.Publication . Ventura, Maria A.; Porteiro, J.; Moura, Mónica; Botelho, Andrea Z.; Costa, Ana Cristina; Vieira, Virgilio; Silva, LuísO arquipélago dos Açores é visto no panorama turístico internacional como um destino de turismo sustentável, em parte graças à certificação internacional que lhe foi atribuída em 2019. As suas paisagens terrestres e marinhas, são algo que deslumbra quem nos visita, muito por conta do seu património biológico e geológico. A riqueza em espécies endémicas da flora terrestre e a presença de espécies emblemáticas de aves, residentes ou migratórias, são uma mais-valia na parte terrestre. No mar, a observação de cetáceos predomina sobre qualquer outra atividade aí praticada, uma vez que os Açores são um hotspot de migração de mamíferos marinhos e alguns répteis, como as tartarugas, e possui populações residentes de cachalotes. O mergulho é outra das atividades em franca expansão. Para preservar esta riqueza natural, é essencial investir na formação de profissionais ligados ao ecoturismo e guias de natureza, que garanta a adoção de boas-práticas no sector. Tendo em vista esse objetivo, a Universidade dos Açores juntou-se a um consórcio internacional liderado pela Universidade Autónoma de Barcelona, que integra Universidades de três países da América Latina, Brasil, Chile e Colômbia, para incluir na sua oferta formativa um curso de pós-graduação em ecoturismo e guias de natureza.