The project will set up a new local Madeiran Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (maBMS) and meet six of the eight thematic priorities for conservation investment of the LIFE4BEST initiative in Macaronesia. It will deliver significant benefits for local government conservation planning for the target species and for the KBA MAD1 (Madeira Nature Park). The survey transects and species assessments will collect baseline reference data about the project’s target species and all other butterfly species, meeting BEST objectives of Baseline data collection & species threat assessment and Improving biodiversity databanks. They will also support development of Action Plans for the target species, meeting the target Conservation and recovery plans for native species.

Because the project will establish fixed survey transects distributed throughout the Laurisilva Forest SAC, it will also help to accomplish the Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services target in this ecosystem. In order to guarantee the regular flow of data from all over the island and chiefly from rural areas of KBA MAD1, the project will raise awareness about the new maBMS amongst tourists and civil society, contributing to the Information and environmental awareness campaigns target. To meet the Priority conservation actions addressing specific taxonomic groups and taxa target, the project will establish a butterfly monitoring programme which will include developing butterfly expertise and capacity building within the Institute of Forestry and Nature Conservation (IFCN) Nature Rangers, one of the project’s key stakeholders, who will record along fixed transect routes in KBA MAD1.

Additionally, and since the project will include awareness raising initiatives with tourists, tourist guides, tourism students, farmers, agricultural students and amateur naturalists, it will thus address conservation investment priorities by mitigating the impact of tourism and agriculture, two of the main threats to biodiversity in Macaronesia, and promote opportunities for their sustainable management.