We defend the forest that has defended Ovar for a century.
A forest planted to hold back the advance of the dunes and the sea. Today, threatened by clear-cutting, invasive exotic plants and ill-suited forest management.
Born from those who watched the forest fall and refused to accept it.
+Pinhal began as a civic and scientific response to the steady degradation of the Ovar dunes pine forest.
The clear-cutting of large areas opened up clearings and, with too little follow-up, led to the destruction of native vegetation, the spread of invasive species and the general decline of the forest.
We are neighbours, nature lovers and professionals from many fields, united by one aim: to demand a model of forest management that guarantees the conservation of the ecosystem.
Meet the associationClear-cutting, invasive species and a landfill 500 metres from the sea
The plan in force allows 363 hectares to be felled by 2038, including continuous clear-cutting of large areas of pine forest. The clearings are ideal ground for acacias to spread, displacing the native flora and threatening biodiversity.
The landfill at Maceda beach still has no fencing and no monitoring.
Did you know…?
The forest was sown by hand
In the early 20th century, thousands of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) seeds were sown in the dunes to fix the sand and hold back the sea from the towns and villages.
A refuge for the camarinha (Corema album)
This stand is a crucial habitat for Corema album (camarinha), a rare shrub endemic to the Atlantic dunes. +Pinhal works closely with The Camarinha Project to preserve it.
A natural coastal defence
The forest plays a key role in fixing the dunes and softening the impact of wind and storms, acting as essential green infrastructure that protects Esmoriz, Cortegaça and Maceda from coastal erosion.
A biodiversity corridor
The ecosystem holds a rich variety of life. Fauna and flora depend on this ecological corridor linking the Aveiro lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, including several legally protected species.
The forest was sown by hand
In the early 20th century, thousands of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) seeds were sown in the dunes to fix the sand and hold back the sea from the towns and villages.
A refuge for the camarinha (Corema album)
This stand is a crucial habitat for Corema album (camarinha), a rare shrub endemic to the Atlantic dunes. +Pinhal works closely with The Camarinha Project to preserve it.
A natural coastal defence
The forest plays a key role in fixing the dunes and softening the impact of wind and storms, acting as essential green infrastructure that protects Esmoriz, Cortegaça and Maceda from coastal erosion.
A biodiversity corridor
The ecosystem holds a rich variety of life. Fauna and flora depend on this ecological corridor linking the Aveiro lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, including several legally protected species.
Upcoming events
View allAll events →Autumn Stories in the Pine Forest
In an inspiring natural setting, Sara Garizo will read autumn-themed stories told by two foxes.
The forest cannot defend itself.
Sign the petition, become a member or join us on the ground. Every gesture counts.