PARQMAR: Characterization, planning and management of diverse marine protected areas in the Macaronesian archipelagos.

This project achieves the valorisation of marine and coastal ecosystems related to protected areas in the Macaronesian Region and the promotion of their conservation.

The main objectives are:

• The establishment of international cooperation among the three archipelagos (Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands)
  
• Ecological characterization and conservation status evaluation of the marine areas under scope;
  
• Contribution to the effective transfer of knowledge and information among the three archipelagos, thus increasing the knowledge of their marine fauna and flora;
  
• Development of environmental education activities, including the production of materials as illustrated guides.
  

The main actions can be summarized in:

1. Characterization of the main marine habitats and biotopes on the Marine Eco-Park of Funchal and Natura 2000 areas from Santa Maria, Tenerife and Gran Canaria Islands.
   
2. Characterization of the resources, their exploration and potential threats.
   
3. Definition of marine trails for scuba divers.
   
4. Creation of a data base of marine biodiversity.
   
5. Proposal of Management Plan for the areas considered.
   
6. Design and development of Education and public information activities.