Salvaterra de Magos, December 2, 2024 (Mais Ribatejo) – The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) will present the results of the resin project developed in plot 17 of the Escaroupim National Forest, in a session that will take place on December 5, at 10:00 am, in the Auditorium of the Cais da Vala Building, in Salvaterra de Magos.
Initiative focused on the genetic conservation of maritime pine
The project, integrated in the research program PDR2020-785-063761, aims to conserve and improve the genetic resources of the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.). Coordinated by the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV), in collaboration with the ICNF, the Higher Institute of Agronomy (ISA), the PINUS Center and the Faculty of Sciences, the study developed resin tests on clones to identify the best individuals for the production of high quality resin.
The results obtained include the submission to the National Catalogue of Base Materials of the elite maritime pine orchard, which will make seeds of high genetic quality available for afforestation. This action is part of the PRR-Natural Resin RN21 program, which aims to strengthen sustainable resin production in Portugal.
History and relevance of the Escaroupim National Forest
Initially administered by the Montaria Mor do Reino, the Escaroupim National Forest has been part of the public administration since 1836. Currently, it occupies an area of 438 hectares, being wooded in 346 hectares with a predominance of stone pine (32%), maritime pine (20%), and eucalyptus (7%).
In addition to the production of woody material and fruit, the forest includes areas for forest research, improvement, and conservation of genetic resources of species such as maritime pine, stone pine, eucalyptus, and elm. Also noteworthy is the Arboretum, created in 1953, which is considered the most important outside Australia, with 126 species of eucalyptus whose foliage is used to feed the koalas at the Lisbon Zoo.
Session with the participation of experts
The session will be led by Paula Soares, assistant professor at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, with the presence of Rui Pombo, Regional Director of Nature Conservation and Forests of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Isabel Carrasquinho, from INIAV.
Participation in the event is free, but subject to prior registration, due to the limited capacity of the room. Interested parties should register by sending an email to drcnf.lvt@icnf.pt.
Impact on forest sustainability
With this project, the ICNF reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and the conservation of forest biodiversity, demonstrating how applied research can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources in the national territory.
Learn more here