One year after the launch of the D-EVOLUÇÃO initiative, WWF Portugal is carrying out interventions in Peneda-Gerês National Park, in the Serra do Caldeirão, and in the Tagus Estuary. The project has already mobilized around 482 thousand euros and aims to extend the work until 2030, as announced in a press release.
According to the same source, the recovery of forest areas affected by wildfires, the restoration of Mediterranean habitats, and the creation of underwater shelters for seahorses are among the actions developed by WWF Portugal within the scope of D-EVOLUÇÃO, a national ecological restoration initiative launched a year ago. The project covers three zones of the country and seeks to contribute to biodiversity restoration and to strengthening the resilience of ecosystems to climate change and to wildfires.
In Peneda-Gerês National Park, interventions have already covered 46 hectares of forest and habitats affected by wildfires. The works include selective vegetation management and support for natural regeneration, with more than 1,700 native trees and shrubs planted, including pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur), Iberian birches (Betula celtibérica), holly (Ilex aquifolium), and Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris). The mosaic forest restoration aims to improve shelter and food conditions for the roe deer and to contribute to the conservation of the Iberian wolf habitat (Canis lupus signatus).
In the Serra do Caldeirão, the start of the works is planned for the coming weeks. The plan covers 46.7 hectares, of which 19 already have secured funding, and includes the removal of sugarcane fields and acacias, the establishment of ten hectares of biodiverse pastures through direct seeding, and the planting of more than 3,100 native trees and shrubs. Among the species envisioned are the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) and the cork oak (Quercus suber). The intervention aims to recover water courses and montado woodlands, reduce soil degradation and decrease the risk of fire, also benefiting habitats of species such as the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and the Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata).
In the Tagus Estuary, near Trafaria, the initiative is testing a solution to create refuges for local seahorse populations. In collaboration with MARDIVE – Association Science and Education for the Conservation of Marine Biodiversity, nine underwater structures were installed, built from end-of-life shopping carts, after removing plastics and components deemed potentially hazardous. The intervention stems from scientific observations indicating that seahorses used debris deposited in the river as attachment points and shelter, in a context of scarce natural habitats. The area potentially covered by the activities is estimated at about 16 hectares.
The goal is that the structures provide refuge for the two species present in the area: the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) and the common seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus). WWF Portugal also intends, in parallel, to promote a long-term collaboration among public entities, the scientific community, companies and the local population to restore the ecosystem.
The initiative requires more funding through 2030
During the first year, the D-EVOLUÇÃO mobilized nearly 482 thousand euros to begin the interventions, through contributions from partners, companies and citizens. To complete the plan by 2030, the organization estimates that around 1.25 million euros in additional funding will be needed.
“One year ago, we launched this initiative knowing that restoring nature is one of the smartest decisions we can make as a society,” says Ângela Morgado, executive director of WWF Portugal. The official cites data from the European Commission indicating that every euro invested in nature restoration could generate an estimated return of between eight and 38 euros, arguing that the conservation of ecosystem services is important for the economy and for quality of life.
The official also highlights the involvement of landowners, municipalities, territorial management entities, scientific partners, companies and local communities. “This is proof that there is a real willingness to return nature to Portugal,” she says.
Despite the funding already raised, the organization sees a need to broaden the network of supporters to sustain the work. Ângela Morgado also argues that ecological restoration must be treated as a national priority, with greater state participation and adequate investment in a National Restoration Plan.
Companies and citizens who wish to support the interventions can consult information about the project and the ways to contribute on the D-EVOLUÇÃO website.
