Portugal tests global pine species to revive fire-ravaged forests

A major forestry project is testing pine tree species from around the world to improve yields in Portugal. Over 21,600 trees have been planted at 12 trial sites across the country. The goal is to find the best-performing varieties for different regions. The initiative started with seeds collected from Spain, France, Chile, and Portugal. Researchers planted and monitored the trees under varied soil and climate conditions. Between 1995 and 2015, 27% of Portugal’s planted forest area was lost, mostly to wildfires, making resilience a key focus.

Nuno Calado, from Sonae Arauco’s Sustainability Department, explained that the data will help entrepreneurs in the forestry sector. The company aims to boost forest yield by 26% by offering superior plant options. The project’s findings will guide future investments in the most suitable species for each region. The results of the study will be shared with forestry businesses to support better planting decisions. By selecting the right species, the project hopes to reduce losses and improve productivity. The trials could shape more sustainable forest management in the coming years.