Portugal 2022 – Renature Leiria

PROJECT REPORT PORTUGAL 2022 –RENATURE LEIRIA

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 50,400 trees were planted to restore 56 hectares of land in Portugal.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Portugal. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Portugal 2022 – Renature Leiria project was to reforest Leiria Pine Forest, an iconic, historically cherished Maritime pine forest initially planted in the thirteenth century. In an area where wildfires are common and soil fertility is low, notwithstanding the effects of a changing climate, this project strove to amplify attention to these aspects by planting endemic, fire resistant and fire resilientplantsthatsupportbothecologicalresilienceandclimateadaptation.

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

In order to restore the Leira Pine Forest, we focused on the strategic planting of one native species: Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). This decision was made to address the urgent need for forest recovery following devastating wildfires that ravagedtheareain2017,decimatingnearly90%oftheforest'sexpanse.

In this phase, the project spans 56 hectares within the public protected area, in the frame of a larger, dedicated plan to plant predominantly maritime pines over a multi-year commitment period. While more than 90% of the trees will be Maritime pine, our planting partners also plan to introduce minor components of other suitablespeciesinthefuture,includingcorkoaksandstrawberrytrees.

Despite planting only one species, Maritime pine, this reforestation project is implemented with a deep understanding of ecological principles and in considerationoftheexistingecosystemdynamics.

The decision to focus on Maritime pine as the primary species doesn't mean the exclusion of other vegetation. The land preparation methods employed for this project were specifically designed to minimize impact, allowing native shrubs and grasses to coexist with the newly planted trees. In doing so, this approach fosters a symbiotic relationship between different plant species, enhancing biodiversity andecosystemstability.

While the project has made significant strides in restoring the nearly 200 hectares of burned land, it's crucial to acknowledge that reforestation is a long-term endeavor. The maritime pines planted will take decades to reach maturity, but their establishment marks the beginning of a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem's gradualrecovery.

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Portugal 2022 - Renature Leira project supported the planting of 50,400 Maritime pine trees across 56 hectares of Leira Pine Forest for the purpose of revitalizing the ecosystem's health and fortifying its resilience to disturbances such as wildfires. Nestled near the coast in Leira, this targeted reforestation initiative not only works to rehabilitate the forest, but also exerts a positive influence on the surrounding landscape and wildlife, which were impacted by the fire. By bolstering biodiversity, stabilizing soil integrity, and fostering climate resilience, this project serves as a testament to the community’s dedication to preservingandprotectingLeria’snaturaltreasures.

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT

Reforestation for wildfire recovery in Leira Pine Forest

The Leiria Pine Forest has a rich historical legacy dating back to the 13th century, when it was first planted by King Afonso III. Initially conceived as a barrier against encroaching sand dunes and a protective shield for the city of Leiria and its surrounding farmlands, the forest expanded under the reign of King D. Dinis to its currentdimensions,spanninganimpressive11,500hectares.

Throughout the "Period of the Discoveries," this forest held immense significance for Portugal, serving as a vital source of timber for the construction of Portuguese Caravels, the legendary ocean-going ships that propelled the nation's maritime ambitions. The resin extracted from Leiria's pine trees played a crucial role in preservingthesevessels,symbolizingtheforest'sintegralroleinPortugal'sseafaring history.

Designated as a public protected area, the forest maintained a delicate balance betweensustainablewoodextractionandrecreationalenjoyment.Tragically,in2017, a devastating wildfire ravaged almost the entirety of the forest, leaving a mere fraction of its former glory intact. The loss was not just ecological: it impacted 700 years of history and cultural significance, as well as a disrupted the forest's vital role insupportingnature-basedactivities.

In response to this catastrophic event, this reforestation project serves as a beacon of hope and renewal. Recognizing the urgent need for large-scale restoration interventions, this project’s impact will go a long way toward enhancing soil fertility and resilience to wildfires in the face of a changing climate. By strategically planting endemic, fire-resistant species, we aim to revitalize the forest landscape, fostering ecologicalresilienceandclimateadaptation.

Thanks to donors like you, One Tree Planted has helped our partners achieve monumental change in recreating a newer, better version of the Leiria Pine Forest: one that not only restores biodiversity and ecosystem services, but also safeguards againstfutureenvironmentalthreats.Thisrestorationeffortwillbecriticalto avertingtheloomingthreatofdesertification,andensuringthattheforest remainsavibrant,thrivingecosystemforgenerationstocome.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Through authentic and informative storytelling, we help donors relate to the people who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE ONE TREE PLANTED’S SUPPORT, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO RESTORE OVER 50 HECTARES OF WILDFIRE-BURNED LAND. THIS WILL ADD MUCH VALUE TO THE OVERALL LANDSCAPE, AND CONTRIBUTE BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The Leira Pine Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, who directly benefit from the reforestation efforts. Among the 21 animal species benefiting from the project are birds of prey, game animals, amphibians, and insectivorous birds that are essential for phytosanitary control. Notably, three of the species that will benefit are classified as threatened or endangered: Dartford Warbler, Sylvia undata (Near threatened), Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Endangered), and RedleggedPartridge, Alectoris rufa (Nearthreatened).

This restoration not only supports the recovery of these species, but also aims to enhance ecosystem health and integrity. By promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, the project contributes to sustaining livelihoods and enhancing local fire-control measures. Moreover, the preservation of this area, which is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, will mitigate coastal erosion from rising sea levels, addressing aforeseeableproblemofthenearfuture.

All in all, the restoration efforts have significant ecological impacts, revitalizing land potential and supporting ecosystem health. By restoring functioning ecosystems and promoting biodiversity, the project lays the groundwork for sustainedprosperityandresilienceinthefaceofenvironmentalchallenges.

Vulpes vulpes

Meles meles

Mustela putorius

Erinaceus europaeus

Talpa occidentalis

Mustela nivalis

Accipiter gentilis

Accipiter nisus

Circaetus gallicus

Caprimulgus europaeus

Sylvia undata

Athene noctua

Strix aluco

Pernis apivorus

Dendrocopus major Picus viridis, Corvus corone

Garrulus glandarius.

Sylvia undata – near threatened Oryctolagus cuniculus – Endagered Alectoris rufa - near threatened

Falco subbuteo

Sitta europaea

Erithacus rubecula

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

This project transcends mere species restoration. By revitalizing habitats, it strengthens entire ecosystems, making them more resilient to wildfires and climate change. This initiative fosters longterm sustainable livelihoods for local communities by restoring the land's potential and health. This collaborative effort stands as a powerful symbol of both human and ecosystem resilience, inspiring hopeforthecountry'sfuture.

Marika Luiati Project Manager Europe

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist