The project CCforBio – Ecological corridors in forest plantations: benefits for biodiversity, timber production and carbon sequestration, from CESAM, coordinated by researcher Bruna Oliveira (CESAM/DAO), was awarded the Innovation Prize at the 5th edition of the Floresta É Sustentabilidade Award, promoted by Biond, with the award ceremony taking place today in Monsanto.
Developed in the Coastal Forests (Matas Litorais), CCforBio established an ecological corridor along a watercourse in an area burned in 2017, previously invaded by acacias and surrounded by maritime pine plantations, through invasive species control and the planting of native species. In addition to restoring biodiversity, with a particular focus on the European rabbit, the project includes soil remediation trials, carbon accounting to quantify sequestration associated with the corridor, and a cost–benefit analysis demonstrating the contribution of these corridors to enhancing the resilience of forest landscapes.
Based on the involvement of forest stakeholders and local communities at all stages of the decision-making process, the project contributes to strengthening the ecological, social and economic value of ecological restoration.
Funded by the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and developed in close collaboration with ICNF, Centro PINUS, Viveiros do Furadouro – Altri Florestal and other forestry stakeholders, CCforBio stands as a pioneering example of forest plantation management that reconciles production, nature conservation and climate change adaptation.