The Council of Gozón, located in the village of Luanco, held a meeting on 4 August 2015 with representatives from the University of Oviedo (scientist team from the Atlantic Botanical Garden), coordinator of the Life+ARCOS project, and the head of the areas of Culture, Heritage and Education, councillor Mr Manuel Hernández Barrios.
During the meeting, Mr Alvaro Bueno Sánchez and Mr J. Ignacio Alonso Felpete explained the scope of the project and the activities planned for the Barayo dune system (SCI Cabo Busto-Luanco) and which will be carried out within the Life+ARCOS project.
After elections last May, members of the municipal corporation at the council of Gozón changed. Therefore, we explained the nature, scope and objectives of the LIFE programme in detail. We especially focused on the use of these European funds to improve the conservation of habitats and species protected by European legislation.
Mr Manuel Hernández, citizen of Verdicio and geographer, presented the main items that—with respect to managing the access to Carriciega and Tenrero beaches—could be of most interest to the corporation. During the conversation, he explained the project’s interest in actively recovering the tertiary dune system, as it was home to an old sports track up until a few years ago. He also talked about the urgent need to eradicate the large number of invasive species that are threatening the conservation of dune ecosystems. He also explained how the coastal route, which is currently cut off in the Verdicio residential area and diverted towards the dune system, has damaged these habitats.
The ARCOS team accepted the councillor of culture’s offer for part of the educational information resulting from the development of the ARCOS project be integrated into the demonstrative area known as «the traffic light” near Cabo de Peñas. This municipal management centre has fallen into disuse and, in the words of the councillor, will be used as a space for sharing the importance of coastal and marine biocenosis. Dune systems will fit in perfectly there.
The meeting concluded with all parties showing interest in promoting public education and participation in carrying out the Life+ARCOS project. Therefore, we proposed hosting a public presentation for citizens where we will explain the activities to be carried out.