The Portuguese forest faces major challenges: wildfire risk, pests and diseases, climate change, and the need for more efficient management. Added to these is the scarce human presence in forest territories, which increases vulnerability and hinders active, continuous management.
To address these challenges, the transForm Agenda is developing solutions and technologies that enhance the resilience, productivity and future-readiness of forests. New mapping tools are already underway to monitor land use, vegetation loss, and changes in fuel break areas. These products will support risk anticipation and inform prevention strategies. In parallel, innovative models will enable the estimation of biomass and stand age, prediction of post-fire vegetation dynamics, and detection of pests and diseases. These tools will provide a more informed and comprehensive understanding of forest territories.
Another key innovation involves the installation of optical and thermal cameras on very high-voltage electricity towers, covering over one million hectares — many in areas with low human occupation. These cameras are integrated into a data monitoring and decision support system that enables early detection of risks, particularly rural fires. Supported by real-time fire simulators, this system can predict fire behaviour and optimise on-the-ground response.
The transForm Agenda is also improving access to forest and land-use data through GIS-based information systems and a new Territorial Information Portal. Integrated management systems for forest producers’ organisations are being developed, along with mobile applications for certification support and real-time land registry software using drones. These solutions simplify processes, increase transparency, and help expand the area of certified and actively managed forest.
Within a forest breeding programme, new genetically improved varieties of maritime pine and eucalyptus are being developed, with greater effectiveness and resistance to pests and diseases. Conservation actions are also being carried out for high-value native species, such as oaks and strawberry trees. These developments not only ensure higher productivity and climate adaptability but also contribute to genetic diversity preservation and the restoration of ecologically valuable habitats.
In the case of cork oak, work is ongoing to develop innovative silvicultural models, select plants more resilient to changing climate conditions, and research the control of cork oak moth (Pseudococcyx turionella). These actions aim to increase the productivity, profitability and resilience of cork oak stands.
Through the creation of a national network of experimental forest plots, long-term monitoring of different species and forest systems is being strengthened. This network, already comprising more than 300 installed plots, provides essential data to adjust silvicultural techniques and forest management practices to better respond to the impacts of climate change.
Another important contribution from the Agenda is the development of standardised methodologies for the assessment and valuation of forest ecosystem services — such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and water regulation, among others.
Led by Altri Florestal and under the technical-scientific coordination of CoLAB ForestWISE, the transForm Agenda brings together a consortium of 56 partners in an unprecedented effort of cross-sectoral cooperation. Structured into six strategic pillars and encompassing 30 collaborative projects, transForm seeks to promote a structural transformation of the Portuguese forestry sector, covering the entire value chain.
Its mission is to significantly contribute to sustainable forest management, optimise industrial processes, and strengthen the competitiveness of the sector, ensuring a stronger connection to markets and end users. To this end, the Agenda is developing 11 new Products, Processes and Services (PPS), supported by digital technologies and marked by a high level of innovation.