For a long time, we have witnessed the growth of unorganized forests, filled with eucalyptus and other invasive species, intense explorations, and fundamentally, a disregard towards nature. This, along with climate change, has created a problem. And, it is up to our generation to respond to it.
For many years, those who, like us at Grean, had the privilege of growing in close contact with large forestal areas, have heard about the "need to change the landscape". After 2017 and the massive wildfires that consumed thousands of acres of forestal areas in Portugal, the expression gained more advocates and became latent in our minds. Why? Because our country, our birthplace, became naked. And, thinking backward, that presented an opportunity to start correcting mistakes. So, why change the landscape? What does that mean? What can be the benefits? What's the path we should follow?
We need to start planting native species. We need to start planting trees, not just to cut them a few years later. The economic impact forestry has on some regions, goes well beyond the cutting and felling of trees. The extraction of products such as resin, fruits from trees and bushes, beekeeping... All these activities are intertwined with forests and generate financial income to mostly underpopulated areas.
Obviously, there are a lot of activities that depend on trees being cut down, for timber or other secondary products. Those activities are essential for some areas, not only in our country but many others. But, if we can plan forestal areas that we allow to grow, without prospects of cutting them down, we are actively balancing those activities. This also represents the possibility of development in tourism. By allowing our forests to grow for decades, we are enabling the growth of outdoor activities, both for tourists and sports activities. This can have a major impact in the rural areas, boosting the local economies.
Sunny days, clean forests and hiking. A beautiful combination.
A planned forest is the way to stop the over usage of soils, by taking away the invasive flora that depletes the existing natural resources. That and the removal of large monocultures.
At last, the prevention and combat against wildfires. Disorganized forests are one of the major challenges underpopulated areas face when we talk about wildfires. A planned forest, with regular and proper maintenance, focusing on a correct use of the territory, drawn with the aid and approval of local and responsible authorities, will be major assets in the prevention and combat of wildfires.
