Conserving Maytenus senegalensis subsp. europaea in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula: Integrated management strategies following 50 years of decline

Abstract

In Mediterranean coastal landscapes under intense human pressure, conventional conservation strategies often fail to halt biodiversity loss. Addressing this challenge requires participatory approaches that reconcile conservation with socio-economic development. Maytenus senegalensis subsp. europaea exemplifies these tensions. This legally protected shrub of Iberian–North African distribution, classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in Spain, is a characteristic species of the Habitat of Community Interest Arborescent Matorral with Ziziphus (5220*), defined by Council Directive 92/43/EEC. Over the past 50 years, this habitat has declined by more than 30%, mainly due to agricultural expansion and urban development. As an umbrella taxon, it plays a crucial role in mitigating land-use change and safeguarding valuable coastal ecosystems in south-eastern Iberia. To inform integrated management strategies for this taxon and its habitat, we combined a review of scientific and technical knowledge with two multidisciplinary workshops within the framework of the MAYTENUS.org initiative. These events brought together stakeholders from environmental administrations, local governments, research institutions, plant nurseries, environmental consultancies and NGOs. Participants collectively identified the main threats to the habitat, available restoration tools and key actions needed to balance conservation objectives with local development priorities. Practical implication. The process underscored the importance of participatory governance, co-production of knowledge and adaptive territorial planning in strengthening the resilience of ecosystem services in the face of climate and land-use change. We conclude that platforms like MAYTENUS.org can serve as effective interfaces for stakeholder engagement, shared territorial visions and the long-term sustainability of threatened habitats, such as 5220*.