The initiative aims to “support landowners in the recovery of natural ecosystems, encouraging the planting of native species adapted to local conditions.” In the same document, the municipality reveals that the renewal of the programme confirms “the commitment to environmental enhancement and the sustainability of the municipality’s woodlands.”

João Miguel Henriques, mayor of the municipality, says that “this project continues to be essential if we are to diversify our woodlands and reduce our dependence on monocultures. It is imperative that we transform the current model, dominated by fast-growing exotic species such as eucalyptus and acacia, and recover native trees, which are more resistant to climate variations and fires.”

In the same document, the mayor reveals that “forest diversification does not represent a loss of income for landowners. On the contrary, when done in a balanced way, it guarantees greater ecological stability and, in the long term, creates more sustainable economic opportunities.”

Since its implementation, which began in 2020, the programme has led to the planting of around two thousand trees of various species, “reinforcing the biodiversity and ecological value” of Vila Nova de Poiares.

The programme is open to “owners, usufructuaries or tenants of land located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, who are over 18 and legitimately hold management or ownership rights over the forest areas to be intervened.”

In total, up to 300 plants are distributed per application, and participants must “respect the ideal planting times and the technical recommendations provided by the Municipality.”

For more information, interested parties can contact the Forestry Technical Office of Vila Nova de Poiares City Hall, “where they can find out about the species available and receive technical support in the preparation and management of their forest areas.”