Can tree diversity help landscapes recover from wildfire and become more resilient to future risks?
This question was at the centre of the first Trees4Adapt stakeholder workshop for the Portugese Case Study, which took place in Serra da Estrela in March 2026. The workshop brought together forest owners, managers, civil protection representatives, researchers, NGOs, local businesses and community organisations.
The day began outside, with a hands-on restoration activity in an area affected by the severe 2022 wildfire. Together with local partners, participants helped sow 2,000 Pyrenean oak acorns as part of ongoing efforts to restore the landscape. The activity provided an opportunity to discuss the impacts of wildfire, climate change, land degradation and forest recovery directly in the field.
Later in the day, stakeholders explored how climate change and biodiversity loss are affecting Serra da Estrela and discussed possible forest management approaches that could help improve resilience. Using interactive exercises, participants shared their views on climate risks, biodiversity loss and different forest management options.
The discussions revealed a wide range of perspectives. Stakeholders debated the advantages and challenges of different forest futures, including mixed oak forests, chestnut landscapes and other locally adapted options. They also identified barriers and opportunities for implementing these approaches and mapped areas where they believed different solutions could be most effective.
These insights will now support the next stages of the project, including modelling work that will assess how different forest management scenarios could influence biodiversity, carbon storage, wildfire risk and economic outcomes.
The workshop marked an important first step in building a shared understanding of local challenges and opportunities, helping ensure that Trees4Adapt’s research is informed by those who know the landscape best.