In the framework of the SOS ProDehesa Montado project, we highlight the key role of the University of Évora, an institution committed to research and collaboration to address the challenges facing agricultural, forestry and agroforestry systems.

Through the MED – Mediterranean Institute of Agriculture, Environment and Development, the University of Évora works on fundamental and applied research projects. Its approach includes solving practical and strategic problems, always with a direct connection to the local communities and territories in which it operates.

The MED is composed of a team of 180 highly qualified researchers, with sites in Évora, Beja and the Algarve, allowing them to cover the whole of southern Portugal and to respond to the specific challenges of this region. Its scientific excellence was demonstrated in the last international evaluation of Research Units, where it was rated ‘Excellent’.

In addition, the University of Évora leads the Associated Laboratory for Global Change and Sustainability, CHANGE, an interdisciplinary collective that brings together more than 300 researchers. This team focuses on developing sustainable solutions to the challenges of global change, combining cutting-edge research with practical actions that have a positive impact on the territory.

The participation of the University of Évora in the SOS ProDehesa Montado project ensures a solid scientific basis and an innovative perspective for the conservation and regeneration of dehesa-montado ecosystems, highlighting their potential to contribute to sustainability and rural development in the cross-border context.