13 dec.’24

Promotor: Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P.

Tondela was the city chosen to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Forest Sappers Programme, an event that brought together more than 1,000 sappers from all over the country for a day dedicated to training and honouring these professionals who are fundamental to forest management and protection. Alexandra Marques and Jorge Cunha took part in a panel discussion on innovation in forestry operations in Portugal, highlighting the role of sappers in the sustainability and resilience of territories. The event was also attended by government officials, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

16 dec.’24

Promoters: Escola Secundária de Resende, Clube Ciência e Ambiente, Câmara Municipal de Resende, Centro de Investigação em Didática e Tecnologia na Formação de Formadores (Universidade de Aveiro) and Faculdade de Letras, da Universidade do Porto

The CHAMAR project: Science, Learning and Action in Resende held its first event with a Scientific Speed Dating in Resende. This interactive event brought together several experts who addressed the risks and consequences of fires, exploring science-based ways of prevention and mitigation. CoLAB ForestWISE was represented by Senior Researchers Sandra Valente and João Torres, who addressed topics such as sustainable forest management, ecosystem services and social participation in risk management.

13 dec.’24

Promoters: CIM Coimbra, Município da Figueira da Foz and Universidade de Coimbra

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at the III Congress on Adaptation to Climate Change, an event that brought together national and international experts to debate the challenges and opportunities of climate change, promoting joint reflection on the impact and adaptation strategies. Carlos Fonseca moderated the panel on the role of political decision-makers in the context of climate change. The opening session included speeches by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Emídio Sousa, the Rector of the University of Coimbra, Amílcar Falcão, the President of CIM Região de Coimbra, Emílio Torrão, and the Mayor of Figueira da Foz, Pedro Santana Lopes.

5 dec.’24

Promoter: REN

The Pedro Nunes Institute in Coimbra hosted the presentation of Natureye, an innovative project developed by REN and ADAI as part of the transForm Agenda, led by Altri Florestal and with the technical and scientific direction of CoLAB ForestWISE. The event was opened by Carlos Fonseca, from CoLAB ForestWISE, and Raquel Costa, from REN, and highlighted innovative technologies for improving rural fire prevention and response, such as high-altitude balloons, drones, video surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence systems.

5 dec.’24

Promoter: Cascais Ambiente

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at this seminar, which celebrated the first year of the LIFE ResLand project, the aim of which is to increase the territory’s resilience to rural fires in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, promoting quality of life and sustainability. Sandra Valente spoke on ‘Active participation as a tool for project success’, emphasising the importance of involving all stakeholders in order to achieve transformative results.

5 dec.’24

Promoters: The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) and Escola Nacional de Bombeiros (ENB)

The Centre for Specialised Training in Forest Fires (CFEIF) hosted the Workshop on Occupational Safety in Forest Firefighting, promoted as part of the FIRE-RES project. The event brought together 20 firefighters from 10 European countries and trainers such as Jean-Paul Monet and Sergio Pirone (TIEMS), emphasising safety and prevention in firefighting. Lídio Lopes, President of ENB, and Brigite Botequim, from CoLAB ForestWISE and leader of the Portuguese Living Lab, attended, reinforcing their commitment to building a safer and more collaborative future in the fight against forest fires.

5 dec.’24

Promoter: Associação Florestal do Baixo Vouga

AFBV celebrated 25 years of professional forest management, contributing to the sustainable development of the Aveiro region. Carlos Fonseca, CTO of CoLAB ForestWISE, was one of the guests at the event, which brought together various experts from companies, academia, forestry sector associations and local authorities, moderating the round table which discussed the joint strategy for the future of the forest in this region recently hit by the fires.

4 dec.’24

Promoter: APICCAPS and Centro Tecnológico do Calçado

Joana Vieira and Raquel Luz had the opportunity to take part in the Couros4All demonstration, as part of the integrated BioShoes4All project, and saw first-hand the progress made in the tanning sector in Portugal. The highlight of this initiative was a visit to two leading companies in this area, Curtumes Boaventura and Curtumes Ibéria.

4 dec.’24

Promoter: Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto, Centro de Estudos de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território (CEGOT) and Rural Move

Brigite Botequim took part in this initiative with an oral communication entitled ‘Resilience in Action: Strengthening Communities and Innovating in Rural Territories’, in which she shared initiatives that promote resilience and safety in territories facing rural fires, with a focus on the FIRE-RES and RESIST projects.

28 nov.’24

Promoter: Associação Portuguesa de Riscos, Prevenção e Segurança

On this day, we were also at the University of Minho, at the III Seminar of the Fire-Soil Network, to discuss the impacts of forest fires on soils and solutions for sustainable management of this vital resource. Rui Pinto, from CoLAB ForestWISE, presented the oral communication ‘Post-Fire Monitoring and Recovery of Burnt Areas: the case of the REACT MORE and POST-FIRE FAM projects’, highlighting the advances and contributions of these projects to the assessment of fire severity and the recovery of burnt areas.

27 nov.’24

Promoter: European Partnership for Forests and Forestry

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at this workshop, the aim of which was to define research priorities in European forestry for the coming years and to present the latest developments in the European strategic agenda for research and innovation (SRIA) in the forestry sector. This meeting brought together various stakeholders to discuss the draft of the SRIA, drawn up in collaboration with regional partners, and to share ideas on the roadmap for its implementation. The session promoted an interactive and collaborative debate, with the aim of aligning the needs and aspirations of stakeholders with future research strategies, reinforcing the commitment to a more sustainable and innovative European forest.

26 – 28 nov.’24

Promoter: RESIST Consortium

Our CoLAB took part in another General Meeting of the RESIST project, held in Plasencia, Extremadura (Spain). It was three days focused on sharing solutions for adapting to climate change, in which the partners aligned strategies, analysed challenges and debated the next steps. At the fifth meeting of this European project, attended by Sandra Valente and Jorge Cunha, the most recent advances were presented and the participants also had the opportunity to explore the region of Extremadura, reinforcing the project’s link to the local context and its practices.

22 nov.’24

Promoters: Direção-Geral do Território, Património Cultural, I.P., Ordem dos Arquitetos and Associação Portuguesa dos Arquitetos Paisagistas, with the support of Lousã City Council

The Cineteatro da Lousã hosted this conference, which highlighted initiatives such as the ‘Aldeias da Serra da Lousã – Onde as aldeias sonam a único’ project and, in the context of the Serra da Lousã Integrated Landscape Management Operation (OIGP), reinforced the importance of sustainable land management. Brigite Botequim was present and shared the experience of this living laboratory, whose approach is in line with the central themes discussed at the event.

Image source: National Architecture and Landscape Policy – 7th Annual Conference 2024 (here)

22 nov.’24

Promoter: CEIF – ADAI

We were at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra to take part in this course, which was attended by around 130 people and covered various subjects in the field of fires in the urban-forest interface, namely vegetation management, fire risk management in residential buildings, legal aspects and risk communication strategies.

20 nov.’24

Promoter: Foresin

Jani Pires, Juliana Salvação and Joana Vieira, Project Managers and Senior Researchers at CoLAB, respectively, took part in this initiative in Pontevedra, the aim of which was to showcase the results of this project that aims to revalue Galician pine forests through the quality of the resin. The event was attended by the entire Natural Resin value chain and the market, including representatives from the Galician Automobile Technology Centre and the Galician Cosmetics Association.

19 nov.’24

Promoter: Ordem dos Engenheiros da Região Norte

Jorge Cunha, Coordinator of the Circular Economy and Value Chains Work Line at CoLAB ForestWISE, took part in the ‘Forest of Opportunities’ conference, as part of the Engineering Routes of the Order of Engineers of the Northern Region, held at the Alvão Natural Park in Vila Real. In this initiative, he highlighted the collaborative projects with innovation led by our CoLAB, emphasising the role of engineering in the sustainable development of the forest and in strengthening the sector’s value chains.

15 nov.’24

Promoter: Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto

CoLAB ForestWISE was at the University of Porto’s FLUP for a lecture aimed at 2nd year Geography students in the Rural Geography subject, who are deepening their knowledge of forest fires. Brigite Botequim shared her knowledge and experience acquired over three years of the FIRE-RES project, focussing on boosting innovation and community action for resilient European territories and the challenges that this brings.

15 nov.’24

Promoters: Jornal do Fundão and Município do Fundão

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Alcaide, Fundão, to take part in the Jornadas do Interior – ‘Agriculture, forestry and energy: the challenges of regional development’, which aimed to discuss issues relevant to territorial development and co-operation in Portugal’s inland regions. Carlos Fonseca took part in the ‘Forestry – Profitability and Planning’ panel, which addressed topics such as forestry planning, resilience to forest fires and models for economically valorising rural territories.

29 oct.’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Penafiel was the scene of innovation and collaboration, bringing together experts, researchers and stakeholders on a mission to strengthen the resilience of our communities and landscapes against forest fires.

The first day began with a field trip to the ‘Sonae Forest’ in Castelo de Paiva, where sustainable forest management practices and ecosystem certifications were presented. This provided a practical insight into innovative solutions for fire mitigation.

On the second day, at the Pavilhão de Feiras e Exposições in Penafiel, the Matchmaking Event brought a series of expert presentations and pitches on technological, ecological, communication and financial solutions for forest resilience. The round table ‘Boosting Financial Resilient Innovation’ closed the event with an inspiring debate on financial instruments for resilient communities.

21 oct.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

CoLAB ForestWISE, leader of the RN21 Integrated Project, organised another workshop with experts from the sector who discussed the innovations and applications of Natural Resin in various industries.

9 oct.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The ‘Machine evaluation for more effective management of forestry operations’ training course, organised by Agenda transForm’s Forest Knowledge Academy project, was held in Figueira da Foz. Led by expert Mauricio Acuna, from the Institute of Natural Resources – LUKE, this event provided forest managers and operators with the latest techniques for evaluating and optimising forestry equipment. Participants were able to explore new methodologies, efficiency KPIs and practical tools such as ALPACA, applied to real scenarios in forestry operations. The training course was organised by CoLAB ForestWISE, in partnership with The Navigator Company and Altri Florestal, with the support of Biond – Forest Fibers from Portugal.

26 sep.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The RN21 Integrated Project, led by CoLAB ForestWISE, held another RN21 Webinar. ‘Sustainability and the Market: A Vision for 2030 and 2050’ was the theme of the fifth edition of this webinar, with guests Paulo Novo, from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, and Denise Domingues, from PinoPine, who shared their knowledge and visions for a more sustainable and responsible market.

23 sep.’24

Promoter: Forest Stewardship Council

As part of FSC Forest Week 2024, the FSC Meetings were held at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, where there were sessions on FSC certification of forest management and ecosystem services and an action on the impacts and benefits of forest certification for NGOs and Research. On 27 September, Jorge Cunha, from CoLAB ForestWISE, took part in a panel on ‘Bioeconomy and Innovation: Circularity and Decarbonisation of Forest-Based Value Chains’.

12 sep.’24

Promoters: Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space and Escola de Engenharia da Universidade do Minho

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at this conference, which brought together more than 200 experts from academia and industry, with the aim of sharing knowledge and presenting new products, services and funding opportunities. During the event, our Senior Researcher, Isabel Pôças, presented a poster on the ‘Spectral Library of Vascular Plants in the Montesinho Natural Park’.

12 sep.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

In this training session, which took place as part of Agenda transForm’s Forest Knowledge Academy project, Mariana Amaro and Pedro Britto, from our CoLAB, spoke about planning forest inventories and applying new technologies, such as the Arboreal Floresta app, to data collection in the field. Held at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, this event gave participants the opportunity to use the Arboreal app and interpret the results obtained.

31 jul.’24

Promoter: Organização Florestal Atlantis (OFA)

CoLAB ForestWISE participated in this initiative as part of Forest Day at EXPOFACIC 2024, which discussed topics such as the transformation of the Portuguese forest, climate change and the application of technology and innovation for efficient forest management.

Carlos Fonseca took part in the round table on ‘The present and future of the forest in Portugal’, with Susana Carneiro, from the PINUS Centre, Gonçalo Simões, from Biond, and Pedro Bingre do Amaral, from the League for the Protection of Nature. The event closed with a recorded message from the Secretary of State for Forests, Rui Ladeira.

10 jul.’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and IPEF

Held in the Auditorium of the Central Library of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, this public lecture was led by José Otávio Brito, Executive Director of IPEF, Senior Lecturer at the University of São Paulo, and member of the Scientific and Business Advisory Board of CoLAB ForestWISE. The initiative took place as part of this expert’s visit to our CoLAB.

4 jul.’24

Promoters: The Navigator Company and Clube Produtores Florestais Navigator

The Navigator Company, a CoLAB ForestWISE member company, and the Navigator Forest Producers Club organised the Annual Meeting of Forest Producers, which took place at the Cork Oak and Cork Cork Observatory in Coruche.

This year’s event focused on modernisation and profitability in the forest, highlighting technology at the service of sustainable management. The poster included companies and associations linked to these areas, such as Fravizel and Trigger Systems, both partners in projects labelled by CoLAB. Carlos Fonseca was a guest speaker, presenting the collaborative forestry research and innovation projects in which CoLAB ForestWISE participates.

2 jul.’24

Promoter: IBAMA

We were in Brasilia (Brazil) for the 1st National Symposium on Fire Management (Sinafogo), an event dedicated to discussing advances in knowledge about forest fires, with a focus on monitoring, ecology and integrated fire management.

The first edition of this initiative brought together around 150 guests from various fire-related institutions to discuss governance, strategies and tools for preventing, monitoring and fighting forest fires and the importance of scientific research in the context of integrated fire management.

27 jun.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The next RN21 Integrated Project webinar, led by CoLAB ForestWISE, covered the topic of ‘Natural Resin in Industry: New Applications and Market Niches’.

This initiative was attended by Anabela Carvalho from CENTI – Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, and Nelson Pereira and Filipa Dinis from United Resins, and was an opportunity to transfer knowledge and interact with various experts in the field.

27 – 28 jun.’24

Promoter: Green Rio

Carlos Fonseca was one of the guest speakers at this summit, which took place in São Paulo and aimed to develop effective strategies for preventing and fighting forest fires and mitigating global warming.

The first edition of this summit brought together experts from public and private entities with the aim of adopting effective policies and fostering cooperation between companies, organisations and communities. The CTO of CoLAB ForestWISE was part of the third panel, where he addressed the relevance of the forestry sector in the economy. His presentation focussed on the European vision of transforming knowledge into value, highlighting a new model for the interface between academia and companies.

23 – 29 jun.’24

Promoter: Swedish University of Agricultural Science

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Stockholm, Sweden, to take part in the 26th World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), one of the most prestigious global events on forests. We were represented by Working Line 2 (LT2) Risk Management and LT3 Circular Economy and Value Chains, with several oral and poster presentations addressing digitalisation for sustainable forest management and the creation of fire-resilient landscapes.

»» Find out more here

June, 27 and 28 2024

Promoters: Guarany and Green Rio

CoLAB ForestWISE attended this international event which brought together world experts from public and private entities with the aim of adopting effective policies and fostering cooperation between companies, organisations and communities. The central theme was climate change and its consequences, especially with regard to forest fires. Portugal was represented by Carlos Fonseca from CoLAB ForestWISE, Tiago Oliveira from AGIF, and Domingos Xavier Viegas from the University of Coimbra.

June , 27 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The new edition of the Integrated Project webinar, led by CoLAB ForestWISE, was attended by Anabela Carvalho from the Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (CENTI), and Nelson Pereira and Filipa Dinis from United Resins, and was an opportunity to transfer knowledge and interact with various experts in the field.

»» Click here to watch the webinar (PT)

June, 25 2024

Promoter: University of Aveiro

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in the 2nd ShareForest workshop, one of the projects funded by the Mobilising Programme for Preventing and Fighting Forest Fires. Various governmental, non-governmental and private sector organisations took part in this event to reflect on and debate the management, uses and functions of the coastal woodlands.

June, 22 2024

Promoter: Residents’ Association of the village of Ferraria de São João and the Municipality of Penela

Carlos Fonseca took part in this Forum’s round table on the management of forests around villages. The event was attended by the Secretary of State for Forests, Rui Ladeira, and the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, among other leading figures in the forestry sector. During the Forum, it was announced that the village of Ferraria de São João, renowned for its exemplary management of its surroundings, will have a collective shelter to protect the population from fires, which will also function as a community centre.

June, 21 2024

Promoter: Comunidade Intermunicipal do Oeste

Carlos Fonseca took part in this conference, which took place in Caldas da Rainha, at the invitation of the Intermunicipal Community of the West. During the event, he moderated the round table entitled ‘Valuing and caring for rural areas’, which featured a panel of speakers made up of representatives from public organisations, local associations and companies, all of whom are part of the Integrated Rural Fire Management System. This initiative, which emphasised the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders in order to protect the territory and its communities, was attended by various experts in the field of Integrated Rural Fire Management.

June, 19 2024

Promoter: University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto

The 3rd year Forestry Engineering and Biotechnology students from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto organised this initiative which brought together various forestry players to debate Public Policies, Innovation, Resilience and Sustainability. Juliana Salvação, our CoLAB’s Project Manager, took part in the second panel on sustainability, which discussed production forestry and conservation forestry.

June, 11 to 14 2024

Promoter: Poznań University of Life Sciences

Pedro Britto, a researcher from the Circular Economy and Value Chains Working Line, represented CoLAB ForestWISE at this event in Gdansk (Poland), which brought together leading experts in digitalisation, mechanisation and future trends in forestry operations and exploitation. His presentation took place within the framework of the transForm Agenda, namely the electric motorisation project in the Portuguese forestry sector, which included some of the results of the current status of the forestry machinery park in Portugal.

June 7, 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE 

This AGRI-DEM Soil Network demonstration took place in Quintã de Pero Martins (Figueira Castelo Rodrigo) and its main objective was to showcase good practices in forest soils in cork oak stands. The initiative included a field trip in which several producers took part and had the opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss good practices with specialists in soils and agroforestry systems.

7 jun.’24

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE and E-REDES

This public (online) presentation session took place as part of the decision-making support platform for the implementation of Compatible Occupancy areas in Fire Management Bands (FGC), developed by CoLAB ForestWISE in collaboration with its associate E-REDES. This presentation was attended by various companies, public bodies, associations and forestry producer organisations.

6 and 7 jun.’24

Promoter: Museum Nord and Gaia Vesterålen

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this international event, which was an excellent opportunity to interact with international experts and talk about climate change in the future. This conference featured keynote speakers such as Anders Jönsson, Head of the Innovative Policy Development Section in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Phillippe Tulkens, Head of the Climate and Planetary Boundaries unit in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and Andrea Liverani, from the World Bank, Europe and Central Asia Region, in the area of global practices in the field of the environment, natural resources and the blue economy.

5 jun.’24

Promoter: CHANGE – Instituto para as Alterações Globais e Sustentabilidade

As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, CHANGE organised this initiative, to which it invited our Senior Researcher João Torres to take part in the round table entitled ‘More than Carbon: Giving Credit to Biodiversity’. A discussion on emerging issues related to the voluntary carbon market legislation process in Portugal and its relationship with biodiversity.

5 jun.’24

Promoter: Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at the ceremony, which was attended by the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Mayor of Mação, Vasco Estrela, and António Louro, President of Aflomação, as well as other public figures and organisations, companies and forestry associations, who saw the start of work with machinery to improve the forestry road network, control woody invasives and reduce the fuel load.

4 jun.’24

Promoter: ESRI Portugal

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Sertã to take part in this initiative, which organised a number of debates, including one on the requirements, technologies and impacts of the European Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on the Portuguese forestry value chain, moderated by our Project Manager Aline Oliveira. Juliana Salvação and Ana Sá were also present at this meeting, and had the opportunity to take part in an information session with Guenter Doerffel, ESRI’s specialist in the field of imaging, to discuss strategic issues in the sector.

3 – 6 jun.’24

Promoter: Consórcio RESIST

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Vesterålen (Norway) to take part in this meeting, which analysed the results achieved so far and the main challenges for the future. Of the range of presentations made, the CCDR Centre’s presentation on the work already carried out in the Intermunicipal Communities of the Coimbra and Médio Tejo Regions, in which our CoLAB has participated, stands out.

28 may’24

Promoter: The Navigator Company

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this forum, which aimed to debate the many challenges facing the sector. Carlos Fonseca, CTO of our CoLAB, was a guest at the first round table on ‘innovation, from the forest to bioproducts’. He first presented the Collaborative Forest and Fire Laboratory and then spoke about three major projects: the transForm Agenda, the RN21 Integrated Project and rePLANT. This initiative, in partnership with the Expresso newspaper, was opened by MEP Lídia Pereira and was attended by various personalities, companies, academics and national and international public institutions.

Watch the Eucalyptus Forum

27 may’24

Promoters: SinFAP – Trabalhadores da Floresta, Ambiente e Proteção Civil, Eurocidade Tui Valença, Município de Valença and Concello de Tui

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this initiative, which brought together various experts from public and private organisations in the fields of forestry and civil protection and focused on the importance of cooperation between Portugal and Spain in nature conservation and fire prevention, and the integrated approach to dealing with these issues. Rui Pinto, Coordinator of our CoLAB’s Risk Management Working Line, took part in the debate on the use of fire in nature conservation and the recovery of burnt areas.

25 may’24

Promoters: TEDx Figueiró dos Vinhos, with the support of the Municipality of Figueiró dos Vinhos

Carlos Fonseca was one of the guest speakers at this event, which took place at the Casa da Cultura in Figueiró dos Vinhos. Under the motto ‘Imagining. Interiorise. Innovate.’, this edition focussed on the interior, its challenges and its opportunities. In this second edition of TEDx Figueiró dos Vinhos, a platform for ideas to be shared and disseminated at local and regional level, our CTO spoke about Forestry, Conservation, Wild Resource Management and Territorial Valorisation.

Photo source

24 – 26 may’24

Promoters: Associação Florestal do Baixo Vouga, Associação Nacional de Empresas Florestais (ANEFA) and Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Albergaria-a-Velha

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in Portugal’s most important event for the forestry, agricultural and environmental industry. Aline Oliveira was a guest speaker at the workshop on the European anti-deforestation regulation, and Pedro Britto at a session as part of Agenda transForm’s ‘Boosting electric motorisation in the forestry sector’ project. During the event, visitors also had the chance to see the ‘Tram Roadmap’, with information on new technologies for decarbonisation and reducing carbon emissions in forestry operations.

23 may’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

This public seminar was led by Mikael Rönnqvist, a leading expert in forestry logistics and value chains. Focussed on the current challenges facing the forestry industry, seeking to find methods and approaches to overcome them, the initiative also aimed to present various industrial applications and their impacts, in which analysis methods and data sources are combined to address the challenges.

23 may’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and Centro de Estudos Florestais (Instituto Superior de Agronomia)

The FIRE-RES project held this workshop at the invitation of the organisation of the XVIII International Conference on Major Issues in the European Area at FLUP. Under the theme ‘Shaping future fire-resilient landscapes and communities in Portugal’, this initiative was attended by FIRE-RES’s national partners, namely CoLAB ForestWISE, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, INESC TEC and the project’s researchers, who shared the knowledge they have acquired on topics relevant to the current context of managing resilience to rural fires.
The second part of the workshop discussed the experience gained from projects funded by the European Union, namely FIRE-RES, ResAlliance and RESIST, three projects that are closer to their local communities and are having an impact on national territories, promoting greater resilience and sustainability.

22 may’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and Altri Florestal

The transForm Out Event brought together all the partners and the main public and private entities in the Portuguese forestry sector to discuss the progress of this Green and Mobilising Agenda. Organised by Altri Florestal and CoLAB ForestWISE at the Convento de São Francisco in Coimbra, the guests at this session had the opportunity to learn more about what is being done and the path that is to be taken towards the digital transformation of forestry value chains. The session was opened by José Manuel Silva, Mayor of Coimbra, and the Secretary of State for the Economy, João Rui Ferreira, and closed by the Secretary of State for Forestry, Rui Ladeira.

21 may’24

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE and Altri Florestal

Promoted as part of Agenda transForm’s Forest Knowledge Academy project, this training course was aimed at managers and technicians from the forestry sector, who contributed their knowledge and experience to the initiative. Mikael Rönnqvist, a specialist in forestry logistics from Laval University (Canada), was also present at this initiative held at the Coimbra School of Agriculture.

13 – 17 may’24

Promoter: Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in the Symposium on System Analysis in Forest Resources in Hondaribia, Basque Country. Our CoLAB was represented by Alexandra Marques, Jorge Cunha, Mariana Amaro and Pedro Britto, from the Circular Economy and Value Chains Working Line (LT3), who gave oral presentations in the thematic areas of tools and applications, efficiency, optimisation of forestry operations and planning and risk management.

5 . 8 may’24

Promoter: EU CAP Network

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Estoril to take part in the EU CAP Network conference ‘EIP-AGRI Operational Groups: Innovation in practice’, a conference that aimed to bring together the leading experts in agricultural and rural innovation in Europe, highlighting the successful implementation of the EPI-AGRI project. Carlos Fonseca took part in this three-day networking event aimed at partners, management, coordination and funding bodies, farmers’ organisations, researchers, and thematic and consultative networks of Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, among others.

April, 30 2024

Promoter: Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this workshop organised as part of the FoRES project funded by EEA Grants. Paulo Fernandes, a lecturer at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and our CoLAB’s Scientific Coordinator, was the guest speaker with the lecture ‘The challenges of forestry research and management in the context of rural fires’. Our CoLAB was also present at the round table ‘Forest resilience to fires in a future climate’, with Rogério Rodrigues, from the Executive Coordination.

April, 23 2024

Promoter: Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this initiative focused on the Centre and North regions of the country and aimed to strengthen links between R&D institutions, forest management authorities, industrialists and political decision-makers. Carlos Fonseca was a guest at the session entitled ‘How can we work together to maximise the benefits and impacts of R&D?’, moderated by Joana Vieira, Senior Researcher at our CoLAB, who also helped organise the event.

»» Listen to Joana Vieira’s interview here (PT)

April, 22 2024

Promoter: Associated Laboratory Terra

CoLAB ForestWISE was at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia for the public presentation of TERRA, which was attended by Paulo Branco, Executive Director of this LA, Cecília Rodrigues, Vice-Rector of the University of Lisbon, João Ramalho Santos, Vice-Rector of the University of Coimbra and João Rocha, Coordinator of the Council of LAs. The second part of the session featured a round table dedicated to Science, Sustainability and Development, moderated by Teresa Ferreira, Full Professor at the ISA.

April, 16 2024

Promoter: Collaborative Laboratories Forum

The Collaborative Laboratories Forum is an interaction platform that aims to stimulate reflection and discussion on relevant issues in the context of CoLABs. The ForestWISE CoLAB took part in this meeting, which took place at AvePark and was an opportunity to share experiences and debate and define strategies to support the Collaborative Laboratories ecosystem.

Photo source

April, 9 2024

Promoters: The Navigator Company, the Labour Conditions Authority (ACT) and the Minho-Lima Forest Certification Association

CoLAB ForestWISE took part in this seminar aimed at promoting the importance of safety in forestry operations and individual awareness in accident prevention. At this initiative, held at the Ponte de Lima School of Agriculture, participants were also informed about new technologies that help reduce the risk of accidents at work in the forestry sector.

April, 8 2024

Promoters: Foundation for Science and Technology, University of Minho, University of Aveiro and Instituto Superior de Agronomia

ForestWISE® CoLAB Senior Researcher Ana Sá was one of the guest speakers at this seminar, which was attended by various experts in the field of rural fire management. Ana Sá gave a presentation on reducing the impacts of fires, namely from forest management to fire mitigation planning on a landscape scale.

March, 252024

Promoters: CoLAB ForestWISE®, the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Coimbra and the Municipality of Góis

CoLAB ForestWISE®, the Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Coimbra and the Municipality of Góis organised the last participatory workshop relating to the first phase of the interventions to be carried out in the Village Condominiums and AIGPs in the region of Coimbra as part of the project. The session, organised with the support of the improvement committee of the village of Mestras, in Góis, was attended by residents and forest owners to discuss the future of the Village Condominium. This was also the start of the second phase of RESIST, with a presentation of the project and the approach to AIGPs and Village Condominiums in the six municipalities to be intervened in by 2025. CoLAB ForestWISE® is joining forces with CIM Região de Coimbra and these municipalities to find, together with local communities, landscape transformation models that increase the resilience of territories to climate change.

March, 23 2024

Promoter: Local Community of the Baldios dos Lugares of the former parish of Vilarinho

CoLAB ForestWISE® was present at this seminar, which aimed to discuss issues such as the safety of populations in rural fire situations and the implementation of collaborative strategies for integrated forest and fire management.
The initiative was attended by various public bodies, local associations and academia, some of which are members of the FIRE-RES project’s Rural Fire Innovation Community, whose innovative actions developed in this area of the living laboratory, co-led by our CoLAB, were presented by Verónica Catarino, coordinator of the Training Centre of the National Firefighters School – Portugal.

march 22, 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

In Mação, CoLAB ForestWISE signed the acceptance agreement with the Environmental Fund for the B-READY4FUTURE project, part of the Mais Floresta Programme, through which our CoLAB, together with various Higher Education Entities, will develop and implement a Training Programme aimed at technicians from Forest Producers’ Organisations.The session was opened by Vasco Estrela, Mayor of Mação, and closed by João Paulo Catarino, Secretary of State for Nature Conservation and Forests. The ceremony was also attended by Fernanda do Carmo and Ana Seixas, from the Directorate General for Territory, Daniel Feliciano, from the Environmental Fund, and António Louro, from Aflomação.

march 22, 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The FoRES project, funded by the EEA Grants programme, coordinated by the University of Aveiro and with the participation of CoLAB ForestWISE, NIBIO and APATA, was at the Brigantia Ecopark in Bragança to promote discussion on Landscape Resilience in Global Change Scenarios. Throughout the day, the environmental optimisation scenarios developed for the Baixa Lombada AIGP were presented and discussed with representatives of local authorities, and the afternoon was dedicated to getting to know the respective study area.

march 21, 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

As part of a partnership between the RN21 Integrated Project, the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community and Resipinus, CoLAB ForestWISE visited the Baixo Mondego Vocational and Rural Development School in Montemor-o-Velho. In order to promote Natural Resin to young people through interactive and educational activities, this visit made it possible to sensitise the younger generations to valuing and protecting our natural resources, an important step towards a more sustainable future.

march, 1st 2024

Promoter: Penafiel City Council

Senior researcher Brigite Botequim participated in the day’s celebrations and celebrated the date by planting native species in Alto da Pegadinha, in the parish of Lagares and Figueira. Taking place in one of the areas of the FIRE-RES Living Laboratory, this action aimed to highlight the importance of these ecosystems in the fight against climate change, warning of the risk of their degradation. The initiative was attended by the school community and various organisations such as Penafiel City Council, the Lagares e Figueira Parish Council, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, the National Republican Guard, the Tâmega e Sousa CIM, the Paço de Sousa Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Vale do Sousa Forestry Association Sappers, the Municipal Civil Protection Service and other active members of the FIRE-RES Rural Fire Innovation Community.

march 18, 2024

Promoter: CoLAB ForestWISE

The first RN21 Integrated Project workshop, which aimed to promote dialogue and collaboration between the different stakeholders in the natural resin value chain, was attended by entities from the first and second processing of natural resin who, in addition to sharing knowledge and experiences, had the opportunity to identify joint strategies that could boost the natural resin industry in Portugal, promoting more sustainable and innovative practices. The first RN21 workshop, of a cycle of four, was held at the Resinagem Building in Marinha Grande and was opened by Paulo Santos, Executive Secretary of the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region, and closed by the Mayor of Marinha Grande, Aurélio Ferreira, as well as CoLAB’s CTO, Carlos Fonseca.

march 15, 2024

Promoter: Vale do Sousa Forestry Association and Forestis – Associação Florestal de Portugal

CoLAB ForestWISE participated in an awareness-raising session aimed at forest owners on the prevention of rural fires, specifically on basic procedures and means of prevention and their online platforms. Brigite Botequim presented the FIRE-RES project and the innovation actions carried out in the Portuguese living laboratory of the Sousa Valley on adaptive territorial management for the resilience of its communities and landscapes. In addition to CoLAB ForestWISE, this event, which was developed under the ‘Mais Floresta’ programme, also included the participation of the National Republican Guard and the Instituto Superior de Agronomia.

march 14, 2024

Promoter: Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development

Carlos Fonseca represented CoLAB ForestWISE at this event dedicated to forestry, wood and wood management technologies, where he spoke about our CoLAB in the session on Academia & Research. This initiative was attended by several international experts who shared their experience in various areas, including green biotechnology, plant breeding, reforestation, the use of IoT in forestry and technologies such as apps and drones.

march 13, 2024

Promoter: Altri Florestal and CoLAB ForestWISE

The transForm Showcase was held at Fravizel’s facilities in Alcanede and aimed to inform participants about the various strands of the transForm Agenda and the results and progress achieved so far. The internal event of this Green Agenda was attended by more than 80 members of the Consortium.

march 12, 2024

Promoter: European Commission and European Union Agency for the Space Programme

As a member of the Copernicus Relays network, CoLAB ForestWISE took part in the Copernicus for Forestry Thematic Workshop, promoted by the European Commission and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, an initiative that aimed to analyse and highlight the role of Copernicus in the context of the European Union’s forestry policy.

march 12, 2024

Promoter: IAPMEI

CoLAB ForestWISE was in Santa Maria da Feira for the second annual meeting of the Mobilising Agendas – Partnerships that Transform the Economy, together with the leader of the transForm Green Agenda, Altri Florestal. The aim of this initiative was to share the main results and current status of the projects promoted under Component 5 – Capitalisation and Business Innovation of the RRP, their economic impact and future benefits for the country. Altri Florestal gave an update on the transformative agenda.The event was opened by Amadeu Albergaria, Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira, and António Costa Silva, Minister for the Economy and the Sea, and was closed by the Prime Minister, António Costa.

february 29, 2024

Promoter: Confederation of European Paper Industries

Patrícia Enes participated remotely in this workshop, which aimed to disseminate the FIELDS project – ‘Addressing current and future skills needs for sustainability, digitalisation and the bioeconomy in agriculture: European skills strategy and agenda’ and the FIELDS training platform, with a view to strengthening skills in the field of forestry.

february 28, 2024

Promoter: The Navigator Company and CoLAB ForestWISE

This Training and Dissemination Action focused on the introduction of innovation and new technologies in the installation of forest stands, with the special participation of researchers from the Institute of Forestry Research and Studies, Saulo Guerra and Guilherme Oguri, who shared their knowledge and experience on the subject.Aimed at employees of the transForm Agenda’s partner organisations/companies, managers, technicians in charge of forestry operations and forestry machinery operators, the main objective of this initiative was to identify and evaluate new technologies and mechanisation guidelines for the main forest stand installation operations.

february 27 , 2024

Promoter: California Prescribed Fire Monitoring Program

Paulo Fernandes, Associate Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and Scientific Coordinator of CoLAB ForestWISE, and Marc Castellnou, Head of the Forestry Action Support Group at the Fire Brigade of the Generalitat de Catalunya and member of CoLAB ForestWISE’s Scientific and Business Advisory Board, participated in the first session of the seminar series ‘Worldwide view of the roles, status, and future of prescribed fire’, organised by the California Prescribed Fire Monitoring Program.This inaugural session featured fire experts who provided an overview of prescribed fire, taking into account the various perspectives, domains and regions, and on best practices and performance indicators for evaluating results.

february 21 – 23, 2024

Promoter: Centre for the Study and Protection of the Environment, of the Academic Association of the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

CoLAB ForestWISE was present at this congress, which discussed nature-based solutions, conservation, waste management and climate impact assessment. Susana Rodrigues took part in this congress with an oral presentation on building landscapes that are more resilient to climate change in the Coimbra region, the result of work carried out as part of the RESIST project, in partnership with the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community.

february 20 – 22, 2024

Promoter: Intermunicipal Community of the Region of Coimbra

CoLAB ForestWISE participated in this event, which aimed to contribute to the discussion on the development of resilient regions through its involvement and local participation. This initiative, carried out as part of the GOCORE project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme under the ‘regional governance’ axis, was attended by various experts who shared their knowledge and ideas on development, governance and stakeholder involvement from various regions in Portugal, Denmark, Italy, Estonia and Hungary. Our CoLAB was one of the stakeholders invited by the CIM to take part in the initiative, with Carlos Fonseca taking part in the peer review session and Sandra Valente and Virgínia Rocha organising a workshop on the importance of community involvement.

january 30, 2024

Promoter: SerQ – Forest Innovation and Competence Centre

CoLAB ForestWISE participated in this workshop held at the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Coimbra, organised by SerQ in partnership with the University of Coimbra. The initiative brought together national and international experts to talk about their experience and future prospects for the sector.

january 25 – 26, 2024

Promoter: Portuguese Engineers’ Chamber

CoLAB ForestWISE attended this congress, this year dedicated to the theme of ‘Engineering for Development’. The event discussed topics such as the future of mobility, energy policies and the digital transition, among other important current issues. David Luna, Coordinator of our CoLAB’s IT Office, took part in the e-posters session in the Environment section, presenting an idea about using IoT as an incentive system for recycling.

january 25, 2024

Promoter: National RRP Monitoring Committee

The National RRP Monitoring Committee visited CoLAB ForestWISE as part of the committee’s proximity tour of the projects being carried out in the Douro region. At the meeting, we had the opportunity to present CoLAB ForestWISE and the development of the projects funded by the RRP: transForm Mobilising Agenda, of which CoLAB is the technical-scientific coordinator, RN21 Integrated Project, of which it is the consortium leader, Interface Mission, CoLAB’s core funding, and Be@t and Bioshoes4All, of which we are partners.

january 15, 2024

Promoter: AGIF and OCDE

In order to strengthen the fire risk management framework in Portugal and following the transformation of the system undertaken in 2017, AGIF is collaborating with the OECD on the project ‘Climate Adaptation: Rural Fire Prevention in Portugal’. As such, it organised this presentation event, which was opened by Tiago Antunes, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Mário Nava, Director-General of the European Commission (online), Fabrizia Lapecorella, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD (online), and Tiago Oliveira, President of AGIF. Ana Abrunhosa, Minister for Territorial Cohesion, closed the event. The event also included round tables and the participation of various personalities from public organisations, companies and academia, including CoLAB ForestWISE, who discussed the issues of preventing and controlling the risk of rural fires.