This project aims to reduce the threats faced by the manzanilla de escombreras, an endangered species.

The project “Actions for the conservation of the manzanilla de escombreras (Anthemis chrysantha), an endangered species”, launched by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT), aims to reduce the threats faced by this endangered species, and to make society aware of the high ecological value of this species and its conservation.

This initiative aims to develop specific in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, such as introducing the species in new locations to improve the ecological connectivity of its natural populations or collecting seeds from the two natural populations of the species for conservation in a germplasm bank. It also seeks to disseminate and raise awareness among citizens about the importance of the species and the need for its conservation.

Some of the expected results within the framework of this project are the establishment of at least two new populations of manzanilla de escombreras and the obtaining of an average density of natural regeneration of 10 specimens per square metre.

The initiative contemplates the replenishment of the stock of genetic material of the UPCT germplasm bank through the collection of seeds from each of the natural populations. Between 25,000 and 50,000 seeds from each population will be preserved in the active collection (short-term), while in the base collection (long-term) one accession per natural population with at least 5,000 seeds per accession will be preserved. At least another 75,000 seeds will be used to reinforce introductions through planting.

The project activities focus on:

• Specific conservation actions, such as the design and implementation of a project to introduce this species or the conservation of the ex situ genebank
• Dissemination and awareness-raising actions such as the publication of technical publications and communication support