Portugal 2023 – Renature Leiria

PROJECT REPORT PORTUGAL 2023 –RENATURE LEIRIA

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 303,032 trees were planted to restore 266 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 2023 – Renature Leiria project was to rejuvenate sections of the Leiria Pine Forest that were devastated by the catastrophic wildfires of 2017. This is a multi-year project — and in 2023, beyond reforestation, the overarching goal was to augment the ecological integrity and resilience of the region.Throughthisreforestationeffort,ahavenforrecreationalactivitiessuchas hiking and picnicking will emerge, alongside opportunities for educational initiatives,revitalizedhabitatforwildlife,andahubforecosystemservices,ranging from water cycle regulation to air purification. This comprehensive approach ensures that the renewed Leiria Pine Forest becomes a beacon of sustainability andresilience,enrichingthelivesofbothpresentandfuturegenerations.

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

As part of a multi-year effort, in 2023, four native species were selected for this reforestation endeavor covering 266 hectares in Leiria, Portugal: Maritime oak (Pinus pinaster), Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), Stone pine (Pinus pinea), and Corkoak (Quercussuber).

Following the devastation of the 2017 wildfires, while native shrubs began to resprout, the absence of tree regrowth necessitated our focused efforts solely on tree planting, with special attention to areas dominated by maritime pine, which weremostimpactedbythefires.

The challenges posed by recurring droughts and abnormal heat waves demanded strategic solutions. To address this, our on-ground partners adopted a regenerative approach, carefully scheduling planting during the rainiest months, particularly November and December. This timing, aimed at achieving 70% of the seasonal planting goal, enables seedlings to establish early, fostering robust root growthandadaptationtoforthcomingdryspells.

Through these dedicated efforts, we aim to not only restore the ecological resilience of Leiria's landscape, but ensure the preservation of its rich biodiversity forgenerationstocome.

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) - 262,626

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) - 22,740

Stone pine (Pinus pinea) - 13,826

Cork oak (Quercus suber) - 3,840

TREE SPOTLIGHT: MARITIME PINE

Maritime pine, or Pinus pinaster, is a striking evergreen tree characterized by its tall, straight trunk. It reaches heights of up to 30-35 meters and has distinctively rugged, deeply furrowed bark, which varies from reddish-brown to blackish-gray. This species is native to the southern Europe region and parts of the western Mediterranean. Beyond where it naturally occurs, maritime pine is cultivated for lumberandfortheproductionofturpentineandrosin.Thetree'sdense,dark-green needles, typically arranged in pairs and measuring around 12-22 cm in length, add to its distinctive appearance. Its cones are large, oval-shaped, and clustered, featuringthickscalesandcontainingsmall,wingedseeds.

Maritime pine plays a vital role in ecosystems, particularly in coastal regions like Leira, Portugal. Its robust root system not only flourishes but also effectively stabilizes nutrient-poor soils, preventing erosion and protecting against storm surges. Furthermore, the needles, bark, and fallen branches of this tree enrich soil fertility as they decompose. These forests act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

Maritime pine forest ecosystems support a rich diversity of wildlife, ranging from small mammals and birds to insects and fungi. The dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and finches, while the forest floor offers habitat for ground-dwelling mammals like rabbits and foxes. Insects, such as beetles and butterflies, play essential roles in pollination and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem, contributing to its overall health and resilience. Additionally, the seeds of maritime pine are an important food source for certain bird species and small mammals, further enhancing its ecologicalsignificance.

As an added benefit, maritime pine is exceptionally well-suited to the environmentalconditionsofLeira,Portugal.Itstolerancetomaritimeexposureand sandy, acidic soils makes it a resilient species in coastal regions with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. The tree's deep root system enables it to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, enhancing its drought tolerance and enabling it to thrive in areas with limited water availability. Furthermore, maritime pine's ability to regenerate quickly after disturbances, such as wildfires, makes it an ideal candidate for reforestation effortsinLeira'sPineForest,whererecoveryfromrecentwildfiresisparamount.

TAKING PART IN THE RECOVERY OF THE LEIRIA PINE FOREST IN MY HOMETOWN IS SOMETHING I CAN PROUDLY SHARE WITH MY CHILDREN. WE WORK TIRELESSLY EVERY DAY TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IN OUR REGION.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Portugal 2023 - Renature Leiria project supported the planting of 303,032 native trees taking root across 266 hectares of land near Leiria, Portugal. On a local scale, the reforestation efforts breathe new life into the Leiria Pine Forest, transforming it into a haven for community recreation, education, and social gatherings. Families and visitors can once again enjoy leisure activities amidst the growing greenery, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the local community.

Regionally, the project contributes to the preservation of Leiria's natural heritage and cultural identity, reinforcing its resilience against future environmental challenges such as wildfires and coastal erosion. By engaging local stakeholders and fostering economic opportunities, the project cultivates a sustainable future for the region, where ecological restoration and community well-being go hand in hand.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Throughauthenticandinformativestorytelling,wehelpdonorsrelatetothepeople 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

THIS PROJECT IS ABOVE ALL A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE CYCLICALLY IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES. IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO CREATE A LANDSCAPE THAT IS MORE RESILIENT, MORE BIODIVERSE AND BETTER ABLE TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE A WORLD IN WHICH CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS CAN LIVE IN BALANCE WITH NATURE. THAT'S WHAT WE BELIEVE AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE DEVELOPING THIS PROJECT.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The Leiria Pine Forest, with its continuous coastal dune system, is a unique landscape characterized by sandy substrate and a diverse mix of resinous trees and bushes. Scattered throughout this ecosystem are small ephemeral freshwater lakes, replenished by seasonal waterlines. This intricate landscape, boasting resilient primary dunes and well-preserved longitudinal dunes, holds significant ecological,cultural,andhistoricalvaluewithinPortugal.

Beyond the direct impact of species restoration on pre-fire habitats and biodiversity recovery, this project seeks to profoundly influence ecosystem health and integrity. By enhancing ecosystem resilience to disturbances like wildfires and facilitating adaptation to climate change, we bolster the forest's capacity to thrive amidst environmental challenges. Moreover, the restoration effort supports local livelihood sustainability and strengthens fire-control measures, pivotal for safeguardingcommunitiesinfire-proneregions.

Through this restoration, we aim to unleash the potential of these degraded landscapes, ensuring they meet the diverse demands for ecosystem services, including cultural services vital for community well-being. Moreover, the preservation of this coastal ecosystem will play a crucial role in mitigating coastal erosion, stemming from projected rises in sea levels — a pressing concern for the region'sfutureresilience.

DartfordWarbler(Sylviaundata)

LittleOwl(Athenenoctua)

TawnyOwl(Strixaluco)

EuropeanHoneyBuzzard(Pernis apivorus)

EurasianHobby(Falcosubbuteo)

EurasianNuthatch(Sittaeuropaea)

EuropeanRobin(Erithacus rubecula)

GreatSpottedWoodpecker (Dendrocopusmajor)

EuropeanGreenWoodpecker (Picusviridis)

CarrionCrow(Corvuscorone)

EurasianJay(Garrulusglandarius)

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Despite the ravages of the 2017 wildfire, the significance of the Leiria region endures, serving not only as a symbol of resilience but also as a cherished recreational space for families year-round. This project is working to restore this vital community asset, reviving it as a hub for leisure, sports, education, and social gatherings. By fostering collaboration among local authorities, community members, and stakeholders, we forge a "coalition of the willing," united in preservingthislegacyforfuturegenerations.

CommunityEngagement

During the 2022-2023 planting season, our on-ground partners actively engaged with the local community, particularly involving schools in the region. Volunteer activities, including seed collections and tree donations, were organized with children, symbolically fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the restoration efforts. Additionally, project presentations were conducted in schools to educate and inspire the younger generation about the importance of environmental stewardship.

A pivotal aspect of the project’s engagement strategy was a two-month project exhibition held in Leiria, which attracted 5,140 visitors. Parallel activities, such as illustration workshops and children's book readings, enriched the exhibition experience and underscored the significance of environmental restoration and landscape preservation. Moving forward, our planting partners are committed to sustaining community involvement through awareness campaigns and educational activities focused on landscape conservation, forest protection, and wildfiremitigation.

Recreation

The restoration efforts in Leiria aim to revive a majestic forest of old-growth pines and diverse flora, rekindling opportunities for nature-based recreation such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. Along the forest trails, visitors will rediscover scenic viewpoints, tranquil picnic spots, and natural water sources, enriching their connectionwiththelandscapeandfosteringcherishedmemories.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS, CONT.

SupportingtheLocalEconomy

Not only does the project nurture the ecological landscape, it bolsters the social and economic fabric of the Leiria region. By prioritizing the recruitment of local personnel and sourcing goods and materials from regional businesses, we inject vitality into the local economy while minimizing our ecological footprint. Approximately 95% of project funding directly benefits the local economy, creating 12to15seasonaljobsandstimulatingeconomicactivitythroughmachineryrental andplantprocurementfromlocalsuppliers.

Training

To ensure the success of our restoration initiative, comprehensive training was provided to planting and site preparation personnel. This training encompassed methodologies for task execution, ongoing evaluation, and adaptive procedures based on field experience. By equipping the team with the necessary skills and knowledge, we enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our restoration effortsintheLeiriaregion.

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 breathes new life into habitats, going far beyond simply bringing back lost species. It's a long-term play, weaving a stronger defense against wildfires and climate change by empowering entire ecosystems. Imagine thriving local communities existing in harmony with a sustainable future – that's the vision driving this initiative.”

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Marika Luiati Project Manager Europe