The 10th National Forestry Congress, under the theme “Forest, People and Territory: Sustainable Connections,” will take place from October 5 to 9, 2026, at the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra. It is organized by the Portuguese Society of Forest Sciences (SPCF), two years after the celebration of its 40th anniversary. This congress is positioned as a key forum for reflection and debate on the role of Portuguese forests as a fundamental environmental, social, and economic asset for societal well-being and the country’s sustainable development.

The relationship between forest, people, and territory lies at the heart of this edition, highlighting the importance of active and responsible engagement by society — from landowners and producers to technicians, policymakers, scientists, and citizens — in the planning, management, and valorization of forests. Collective participation is essential to align decisions with societal expectations and to strengthen the commitment to the preservation and sustainability of forest ecosystems.

In a context of growing challenges and the urgent need to promote integrated solutions, the congress will provide a space for dialogue among the various stakeholders in the sector, encouraging the presentation of innovative proposals and creative approaches. With a strong focus on science, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, the aim is to strengthen the link between scientific knowledge and its practical application in land management.

CESAM will be represented at the event by Bruna Oliveira and Sofia Corticeiro, researchers from CESAM/DAO, and by Catarina Aguiar from the Associação Florestal do Baixo Vouga, an organization with which Bruna Oliveira is also affiliated. The researchers are responsible for Symposium 3: Conservation Corridors in Integrated Landscape Management: From Science to Policy and Funding.

This symposium explores the strategic role of conservation corridors in integrated landscape management, bringing together scientific, technical, social, economic, and policy perspectives. It will address the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law and funding opportunities, fostering dialogue among researchers, managers, policymakers, and stakeholders to build practical and scalable solutions.

For more information and abstract submission: https://www.10cfn.pt/