NEWS | Azores increase reforested area and step up active management of forest ecosystems
In 2025, the Autonomous Region of the Azores recorded a 16.8% increase in forested area compared to the previous year, totalling around 141.5 hectares in new interventions.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, emphasised that this growth demonstrates the Regional Government’s commitment to the recovery and enhancement of the Azorean forest heritage.
“The increase in the reforested area in 2025 demonstrates the Regional Government’s firm commitment to the recovery and enhancement of the Azores’ forest heritage. It confirms that we are consolidating a path of active management of our forests that simultaneously strengthens their environmental resilience and economic importance,” stated the government official in reference to data from the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning.
In 2025, a total of 493,568 plants were provided through the Region’s Forest Nurseries. Companies and private entities were responsible for the afforestation of approximately 73.7 hectares, an impressive figure in a year of transition between Community frameworks.
“It is expected that, with the entry into force of PEPAC support, there will be a significant increase in areas planted by private entities, particularly through the afforestation of adjacent pastures, contributing to raising the archipelago’s afforestation rate, which currently stands at 31%,” stated António Ventura.
It is also important to highlight the role of the Regional Government, with afforestation interventions in 2025 covering around 60 hectares, either using its own resources or through partnerships. Most of these afforestation projects are associated with the management of public forest perimeters or the implementation of community projects, such as those co-financed by the LIFE programme.
Other notable initiatives include tree planting by local authorities, associations and communities covering around 7.8 hectares.
The planting strategy varied according to the goals set out for each area. Cryptomeria remained the preferred species for forestry production, occupying around 70 hectares. In areas designated for biodiversity conservation and recovery, priority was given to native species such as Azores Juniper, Azorean laurel, Azores laurel cherry and Azorean Holly, with 178,551 plants covering 40 hectares.
“This increase in reforestation interventions falls within a broad strategy of adaptation to climate change, soil protection and water regulation, also reflecting a careful selection of species,” explained the Regional Secretary.
The government official also highlighted the use of ornamental species, such as oak trees and camellias, to enhance the landscaping of public areas.
The increase in reforestation interventions in 2025 falls within a broader effort to restore degraded areas and boost the productivity of the Azorean forest, improve water regulation capacity and soil conservation, enhance ecosystem services, and build a more diverse and balanced landscape capable of promoting the territory’s climate resilience.
GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU
