On 9 and 10 November 2026, the European LIFE ScrubsNet project welcomed a visit from its Project Officer from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), as part of a monitoring meeting that included technical sessions and field visits to pilot estates in Spain and Portugal.
Innogestiona Ambiental, as the coordinating organisation of LIFE ScrubsNet, organised this meeting to present the main progress, activities implemented and results achieved throughout the project, which focuses on the regeneration and improvement of dehesas and montados through the sustainable management of shrubland areas.
Presentation of project results
During the technical meeting held in Plasencia, the project partners shared the work carried out across the different areas of intervention.
The main topics addressed included the protection and regeneration of trees and shrubland areas, soil health improvement, sustainable livestock management and measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity.
The partners also presented the results of environmental and socioeconomic monitoring activities, including an analysis of the effects of the interventions on biodiversity, ecosystem services and the sustainability of agricultural and livestock holdings.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the project’s performance indicators, communication and dissemination activities, as well as its replication and transfer strategies, which are essential to ensuring that the good practices developed can be applied in other dehesas and montados.
Field visit to the Valcorchero pilot estate – 9 November
As part of the meeting, a technical field visit was organised on 9 November to the Monte Valcorchero pilot estate in Plasencia (Cáceres, Spain).
This visit provided an opportunity to observe the activities implemented under LIFE ScrubsNet and demonstrate how appropriate shrubland management can contribute to tree regeneration, biodiversity conservation and the improvement of the ecological condition of dehesas.
The visit also encouraged an exchange of views on the practical implementation of conservation measures and their potential to strengthen the resilience of these Mediterranean ecosystems.
Field visits to the Portuguese pilot estates – 10 November
The meeting continued on 10 November in Portugal, with visits to the project’s pilot estates in the Évora area, Herdade Terra de Freiras and Grupo de São Mateus.
During the field visits, participants had the opportunity to learn about the activities carried out in the Portuguese montado, particularly those related to the restoration of shrubland areas, the regeneration of tree species, the improvement of soil conditions and the promotion of biodiversity.
These visits provided valuable insights into different management approaches adapted to the specific characteristics of each estate and highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation between Spain and Portugal in conserving these agroforestry systems.
Another step towards the conservation of dehesas and montados
The visit from CINEA provided an important opportunity to share the knowledge and results generated by LIFE ScrubsNet and to showcase the work carried out by the participating organisations.
At Innogestiona Ambiental, we highly value this meeting, which highlights the importance of cooperation between institutions, research centres and local professionals in moving towards more sustainable management of dehesas and montados.
LIFE ScrubsNet is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme and aims to demonstrate that shrubland, far from being an obstacle, is a fundamental element for the regeneration, biodiversity and resilience of these ecosystems.
