Epson, the leader in digital imaging technology, launched an ambitious initiative to help restore the biodiversity in Serra da Gardunha, Fundão, Central Portugal.

Epson will work with local partners to restore the area’s scenery and wildlife, all of which were devastated by the severe forest fires of 2003 and 2005.

The Epson Gardunha Biodiversity Initiative forms part of Epson’s Environmental Vision 2050: a wide ranging environmental commitment that also includes reducing the company’s entire CO2 emissions by 90% by 2050.

A ceremony was held on the slopes of the Gardunha Mountain to celebrate the first phase of the project, which will focus on restoring 40 hectares of the Serra da Gardunha.

Attendees included Manuel Joaquim Barata Frexes (President of the Municipality of Fundão) and representatives of partner organisations: Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves (SPEA ), Gardunha Verde, Pinus Verde and Agência Gardunha 21.

Enrique Tufet-Opi, Vice President Corporate Office and General Counsel, Epson Europe, launched the project by saying: “This is a clear demonstration of Epson’s commitment to communities and the environment.”

“We hope to ensure the ongoing development, protection and survival of biodiversity in this region, and in doing so help to rebuild local communities who rely on the forest.”

“The Epson Gardunha Biodiversity Initiative is just one of a number of projects in Europe in which we are working alongside local communities for the benefit of all.”

The project will reintroduce mixed vegetation which, while unviable for commercial forestry, creates the best and most sustainable habitat for a vast diversity of flora and fauna.

Broadleaf tree species (Chestnut, Oak and Cork Oak) will be planted alongside other local species such as the strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo) and pine.

The protection of unique endemic species such as Asphodelus bento-rainhae will also be ensured.

The goal is to revive the traditional forests and to restore vital habitat for the mammals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians of the mountain, all of which used to be found in abundance.

Epson hopes to turn the project site, which is already on Portugal’s national list of SICs (Sites of Community Importance) in the Natura 2000 network into an IBA (Important Bird Area).

Epson is investigating support for further initiatives across Europe.

Luis Costa, Executive Director of SPEA, said: “This Epson initiative provides long term value for the promotion of biodiversity and nature conservation.”

“The recuperation and preservation of natural heritage will be possible through sustainable development.”

“Efficient management and regular monitoring have the potential to enhance economic and social benefits at local level, as well as contributing to the involvement and awareness of the population.”

“SPEA congratulates Epson’s spirit of initiative in fighting desertification and promoting biodiversity as a way to guarantee a permanent improvement of the habitat.”

Manuel Frexes, President of the Fundão Municipality, said: “The Epson project couldn’t be more welcome to Fundão’s council.”

“Not only does it greatly add to the invaluable natural heritage of Serra da Gardunha, but it represents a very important contribution to the restoration of forestry and biodiversity in a region, which in recent years has fallen victim of forest fires.”

Lena Esteves, Project Director of Gardunha Verde said: “Over the last decade forest fires have had a profound impact on Serra da Gardunha’s forests and biodiversity.”

“Gardunha Verde is proud to work with Epson on this project aiming to restore Gardunha’s natural beauty.”

“Epson’s involvement in the project bears witness to its unique vision on sustainable development.”

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Source: Designtaxi.com