Logo FEDER

Gypsum Outcrops as Green Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Vision for Biological Connectivity and Biodiversity Conservation (GYPSINBIO)

FEDER

The project seeks to design, strengthen and evaluate a green infrastructure that enhances the ecological and genetic connectivity of gypsophytic species (ornamental and filling plants in florists, recognized for their delicate white or pink flowers), promoting the restoration of degraded habitats and optimizing the associated ecosystem services. To this end, gypsum outcrops in the Iberian Peninsula are identified and characterized, ecological and genetic connectivity is evaluated at the peninsular scale, and restoration strategies are applied in the Iberian southeast, analyzing their impact on biodiversity. Likewise, the role of gypsophilous vegetation in soil stability, water retention, cultural value and climate resilience is studied, integrating the gender perspective in management and promoting equitable participation in decision-making.

Line of action:

Knowledge generation and management

Status:

En ejecución

Location:

Aragon, La Rioja, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Community of Madrid, Valencian Community, Region of Murcia and Andalusia.

Geographic scope:

España

Line of research:

Development of green infrastructure, connectivity and ecological restoration.

Execution date:

2025

Duration:

01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028

Total budget:

€224,853.33

Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:

€191,125.33 (85%)

Coordinating entity:

University of Almería

The proposal strategically addresses the conservation and restoration of gypsycola ecosystems, priority habitats in Europe and seriously threatened by human activities and climate change. Its comprehensive approach combines genetic conservation, adaptive ecological restoration and strengthening of functional connectivity, transforming these outcrops into authentic green infrastructures. The initiative aligns with the National Green Infrastructure Strategy, the Habitats Directive and the European Nature Restoration Regulation, contributing to ecological and social resilience. In addition, it integrates science, management and social participation, ensuring sustainable solutions that reinforce biodiversity and ecosystem services.

To improve the ecological and genetic connectivity of gypsophytic species by promoting the restoration of degraded habitats and optimizing ecosystem services.

The project develops an integrated set of actions for the conservation and restoration of gypsycola ecosystems. It includes the delimitation of the scope of study and identification of elements of green infrastructure, as well as the evaluation of ecological connectivity and the effects of fragmentation on gypsum habitats. It includes genomic and phenotypic sampling on an Iberian scale, with molecular analyses and integration of ecological and genetic connectivity data. It addresses the importance and opportunities of restoration, incorporating invertebrate diversity as an indicator. In addition, it evaluates regulative, cultural and socioeconomic ecosystem services, and incorporates the gender perspective through diagnosis and promotion of women’s participation in management and conservation.

programa
linea de actuación

Gypsum Outcrops as Green Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Vision for Biological Connectivity and Biodiversity Conservation (GYPSINBIO)