Luís Tarelho, a researcher at CESAM and professor at the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) of the University of Aveiro, has been elected a member of the Board of Directors of CoLAB ForestWISE for the 2025–2028 term, strengthening CESAM’s presence in the scientific and strategic governance of one of the most relevant Collaborative Laboratories in Portugal dedicated to forest and fire issues.
CoLAB ForestWISE – the Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest and Fire Management – aims to develop applied research, innovation, and knowledge transfer to address the challenges associated with the Portuguese forest territory. The laboratory brings together universities, companies, research centres, and public entities with the goal of promoting science-based solutions for more sustainable, resilient, and informed forest management. Its areas of activity include rural fire prevention and suppression, the valorisation of forest biomass, the development of decision-support technologies, and capacity-building for sector stakeholders, thereby contributing to public policies and integrated management strategies.
This new cycle marks an important moment in the institutional life of CoLAB, reinforcing its commitment to solid and representative governance aligned with the strategic challenges of forests and fire in Portugal.