In collaboration with our long-term partner One Tree Planted, we are planting native trees in Portugal as part of the Free Trees for Portugal project. The trees are planted where they previously fell victim to forest fires. This project not only helps the environment, but also strengthens the local community.
The Free Tree for Portugal project is a nationwide project with different locations. Currently, new trees are being planted at 30 locations, thus reforesting forests. Many regions of Portugal have been affected by recurrent forest fires. The reasons include the destruction of the ecosystem and the planting of alien vegetation species that are used to different climatic conditions and therefore react differently to the local climate.
Helping people to help themselves
By reforesting the forests, establishing and revitalising native forests and empowering the local community to start and implement these processes on their own, Portuguese forests are to be brought back into balance in order to reduce the frequency and number of fires. In addition to nature, the local population also benefits greatly from reforestation, as their quality of life suffers from the fires. We want to show that reforestation can be done in a holistic approach that takes into account all sectors of society, including environmental, social, financial and inspirational.
Good things come to those who wait
The emergence of native forests is a long-term process. In this process, the project managers take into account many different points such as: Condition of the soils, type of water bodies, biodiversity, the nature of the landscape, the needs of local residents and other important parties, and archaeology. For this project, they are working with local foresters and ecology experts. These projects are dedicated to researching and improving the areas concerned.
The beginning has been made - with NIKIN, more trees are to follow
In the last two years, One Tree Planted donated 25'725 native trees to various reforestation projects. But this is just a drop of water on a blazing inferno. It shows us one thing - our mission in Portugal is far from over. A few more trees are to be added, partly thanks to the help of NIKIN.
Which trees will be planted?
Due to the large area covered by this project, a variety of native/endemic species suitable for each biosphere will be planted. Some common species include: Arbutus Unedo, Quercus Suber, Quercus Robur, Quercus Faginea, Quercus Ilex/rotundifolia, Castanea sativa, Oliveira-brava, Fraxinus angustifolia, Populus, Pinus pinea, Laurus Nobilis, Prunus Spinosa, Salix, Myrtus (tarentina), Sambucus nigra, Alfarroba.
What the Free Trees for Portugal project promotes
- Planting and maintenance of large
scale planting projects to restore degraded ecosystems. - Creating job opportunities for growers throughout Portugal.
- Restoration of previously damaged land (by forest fires and desertification).
- Restoration of the water table through the reintroduction of native plants on the damaged land.
- Prevent soil erosion and create carbon sinks in the soils.
- Supporting the continued growth and strengthening of local communities.
- Improve national awareness of the importance of planting native trees.
Information about this and many other tree planting projects can be found in our TreeTracker.
