Latest news and stories about forestry in Portugal for expats and residents.
Insects imported from Australia prepared in a laboratory to combat a pest threatening eucalyptus forests
Storm Kristin destroyed what remained of the Leiria Pine Forest, but allowed for the collection of an unusual number of seeds. The Centro Pinus and the ICNF state that they are facing an “unusual opportunity.”
Fidelidade SGOIC has increased the capital of its Portugal Forests Fund by bringing in key institutional investors.
Large corporations have increased their investment in the Portuguese Forest Fund, contributing a total of 12 million euros to support forestry initiatives.
The main challenge for Florestgal has been to aggregate forest properties, the new representative of the public management company pointed out today, acknowledging that it “has not been easy” to convince the owners.
There are “about 100,000 cubic metres of fallen timber”, equivalent to 1,075 hectares out of approximately 11,000 hectares.
There are “about 100,000 cubic metres of fallen timber”, equivalent to 1,075 hectares out of approximately 11,000 hectares.
Ink disease, which has destroyed over a million chestnut trees in Portugal in the last two decades, may have a solution thanks to the work of researcher Susana Serrazina. By comparing the DNA of European and Japanese chestnut trees, the team identified specific genes responsible for resistance. The findings could lead to the development of a vaccine, the use of molecular markers to identify vulnerable trees, and genetic editing to create resistant varieties. This discovery is significant for Portugal, Spain, and Italy, and may also be applicable to protecting cork and holm oaks.
The European Commission has approved an aid package for the Portuguese forestry sector, including direct grants over 15 to 20 years to restore devastated areas and encourage new forestry investments.
Luís Montenegro classified this European aid as “good news”.
The European Commission approved this Monday a 250 million euro state aid package for the forestry sector in Portugal to reforest affected areas and compensate owners, through grants valid until 31 December 2029. The European Commission approved, under European Union state aid rules, a...
The amount is intended for forest restoration following natural disasters and severe weather events. It includes grants for landowners, valid until 2029.
The scheme will support investments aimed at restoring forests following natural disasters, severe weather events, or catastrophic occurrences, in accordance with Portugal's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan.
Forestry engineer António Silva Vivas, formerly the head of the Green Spaces and Gardens division at Braga City Council, is the new president of the public company Florestgal, which had been without leadership for over a year. António José Silva Vivas was appointed to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors (with executive functions) to...
The public forest management company Florestgal has been without a president for over a year, and its remaining board of directors has been in a caretaker capacity for more than two years. Based in Figueiró dos Vinhos and created following the 2017 wildfires, the company has lacked leadership since José de Jesus Gaspar resigned in January 2025. The remaining board members, Cândida Pestana and Maria Azevedo e Silva, have continued in their roles despite their mandates expiring in 2023. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Secretariat of State for Forests have provided no explanation for the delay in appointing a new board. The company, which manages over 15,000 hectares of forest, has seen multiple leadership changes since its inception, including the dismissal of former president Rui Gonçalves in 2022 and the departure of its first leader, José Miguel Medeiros, in 2021.
The decree-law now proceeds for promulgation by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro.
Innovation. Biological solutions that combat pests, paper industry waste coming to life in eco-friendly packaging, synthetic leather, or nanocellulose applied to cosmetics show an ecosystem capable of renewing itself and generating value.
Exports from the pine sector grew by 2% to 2.5 billion euros in 2025 compared to the previous year, accounting for approximately 40% of forest sector exports. The pine sector represented 3.2% of national exports, as highlighted this Tuesday by Centro PINUS, based on International Trade data.
The felling of over two thousand tonnes of stone pine trees has prompted public protest. The ICNF clarified that the ongoing forestry operation does not require authorisation.
Home Portugal Eucalyptus Trees in Portugal Eucalyptus Trees in Portugal Check out the video! By Filip Strüven, in Portugal · 7 hours ago · 0 Comments Eucalyptus trees of Portugal - YouTube Photo image of The Portugal News The Portugal News 2.
The Environment Minister ruled out splitting up the responsibilities of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. The reform aims to align regional directors' positions with the national leadership and policy.
Presidential candidate Manuel João Vieira said today that everything is 'upside down' in Portuguese forests and landscapes, and he called for prevention measures and the planting of species other than eucalyptus.
