Regional Directorate for Forest Resources begins work on converting barren pastures into native forest within the scope of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project

Nov. 30, 2023

As a beneficiary of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources (DRRF) is responsible for Sub-Action 8.2 - Reconversion of existing pastureland to native forest, which consists of converting areas of barren pastures into native forest areas by controlling invasive alien species and then planting them extensively using native/endemic species.

On the island of São Miguel, the 20 hectares of barren pastures to convert are part of the São Miguel Regional Forest and Woodland Perimeter, in which the DRRF has certified forest management under the FSC - Forest Stewardship Council initiative, in a typical peatland area.

This action aims to increase the catchment area and promote a more homogeneous supply of springs and aquifers that are essential to the local population, preventing water supply shortages in the summer.

By the end of 2023, the Regional Directorate for Forestry Resources plans to work on around 10 hectares of barren pastures on the Graminhais Plateau and plant around 4,000 endemic plants.

Find out more about this project at www.lifeipclimaz.eu