This project aims to fight against the invasive exotic vegetation species Baccharis halimifolia.

The project “Scipio: research for the eradication of the invasive species Baccharis halimifolia“, launched by the Ría Association, aims to fight against the invasive exotic vegetation species Baccharis halimifolia based on research and the development of a protocol. The protocol that will be implemented will be innovative, versatile and respectful of the environment. It is also intended to be a generator of green and scientifically proven employment. All this with the intention of eradicating and managing the species in a sustainable way.

Thus, an exhaustive knowledge of the state of invasion of this species in Cantabria is sought. A preliminary assessment of the feasibility of the eradication programme will be carried out within the framework of the project.

In addition, the initiative aims to disseminate and raise awareness about the problems posed by the loss of biodiversity and biological investments, as well as to highlight green employment and research, development and innovation work for a new, more sustainable economy.

According to the Ría Association, the potential of sea salt as a herbicide for this plant species has been demonstrated. The use of salt is harmless to the environment and workers, and can be more effective and cheaper than glyphosate. As a result of the research work, the optimal techniques for the application of sea salt on the populations of the invasive species Baccharis halimifolia at all stages of its life cycle have been designed. Research has also been carried out on the removal of biomass in estuarine habitats and in adverse environmental conditions.

All this has served to obtain a detailed knowledge of the current area, the characteristics and historical dynamics of the invasion by this species in Cantabria, as well as the conditioning factors for its eradication and management. It has also been shown that the management of the biomass of this species through pyrolysis increases the sustainability of the protocol, minimises the costs of managing plant waste and generates a product with added value and competitive quality in the European market, charcoal.

Some of the activities carried out within the framework of this project are:

• R+D of a sustainable protocol for the elimination of mature populations of B. halimifolia using sea salt
• R+D of the method of eradication of populations of Baccharis halimifolia seedlings and study of the historical process of invasion in Cantabria
• Dissemination and environmental education.