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Description
Reflecting a belief in the causal link between classic models of forest management that led to the abandonment and transformation of the landscape and the frequency of major forest fires, the promoters of this project seek to play an active role in monitoring and influencing public policies for forest management, such as future Programmes for Reordering and Landscape Management and Integrated Landscape Management Areas. The project will involve advocating for certain public issues and building a platform where information on existing legislation and best practices will be made available and where citizen participation in the development of public policy in this area will be promoted. A barometer of forestry investment and two models for joint forest management areas will be created.
Summary of project results
The project, in response to public planning problems that often contribute to tragedies, aimed to ensure that: (1) adequate financial mechanisms are available for promoting indigenous species on small properties, such as oak, cork oak, or pine; (2) conditions are created for the widespread adoption of collaborative management of vulnerable territories in minifundia; and (3) remuneration models for the ecosystem services provided by these forest spaces in small properties and vulnerable territories are implemented.
The project was executed based on five components:
- Public Investment in Native Species: Extensive research and information gathering were conducted to support materials produced during the project, including the Forest Investment Barometer.
- Advocacy for Forest Management Entities: Information was collected from the central government on proposals for Integrated Landscape Management Areas. Twelve meetings with forest management stakeholders were held to understand pilot projects. Public consultations were attended, and two collaborative investment models in native species for smallholdings were developed.
- Ecosystem Services Remuneration: Information was gathered and analyzed on pilot projects supported by the Environmental Fund and the implementation of the Tree Cutting Manifesto. Participation in a debate on Ecosystem Services at Peneda Gerês National Park was also included.
- Citizen Participation in Public Policy: A collaborative platform (www.forestwatch.pt) was implemented, visited by over 100,000 people, with a citizen participation initiative reaching 219,000 people. Two infographic spots reached 535,000 people on social media.
- Information and Dissemination Program: Four informative webinars were held, attracting 2,990 registrants, with 60% attending live and an additional 2,200 viewing the recordings. These webinars were widely publicized on specialized news platforms. Four press releases resulted in 72 media references. Social media posts throughout the project reached over 755,000 people.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 1 civic initiative led by supported NGOs;
- 1 awareness raising campaign carried out;
- 2 NGOs engaged in monitoring public and private decision-making;
- 4 NGO initiatives promoting access to information on public/private policies;
- 70% share of target group showing civic concerns;
- 3 NGO-produced evidence-based reports on public/private policies reported in the media.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter conducted a needs assessment and prepared an action plan. This led to training 21 employees in time management, project management, and communication/social media management.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.