Today we begin a series of publications dedicated to presenting the partners that are part of the SOS ProDehesa Montado project, a collaborative effort to preserve and promote the value of the montado and the cork oak forest, fundamental ecosystems for Extremadura and the Alentejo.

We started with our coordinating partner: the Ministry of Forestry and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura. Through the General Directorate of Forest Management, Hunting and Fishing, this organisation leads key initiatives to protect the environment and conserve the region’s ecosystems.

The Directorate plays a key role in the management and sustainable development of forest resources. Its areas of action include

• Promoting and implementing forestry policies that guarantee the long-term sustainability of forests and pastures.
• Control and supervision of forest resources, ensuring their proper and responsible utilisation.
• Conservation of montados, thinned Quercus forests that constitute a unique ecosystem and are essential for biodiversity, the rural economy and climate change mitigation.

The Junta de Extremadura, as coordinator of the project, is leading the efforts to tackle the challenges affecting this agroforestry system. The main challenges include the lack of tree regeneration, diseases affecting trees and animals, soil and pasture degradation and the impact of climate change on the productive and social activities that depend on these ecosystems.

The SOS ProDehesa Montado project seeks to implement innovative and sustainable solutions to preserve these valuable landscapes, promoting cross-border co-operation and strengthening the social and economic fabric of rural areas.

To find out more about this project and the activities of its partners, visit our website: sosprodehesamontado.eu

The Junta de Extremadura’s commitment is a clear example of how institutions can lead actions to protect our most valuable ecosystems.