Conversion of unproductive eucalyptus to cork oak in Bragança, Portugal

Converting unproductive eucalyptus plantations in Bragança, Portugal, to native cork oak forests to improve resilience and productivity. The phased approach retains two rows of eucalyptus for shade and soil protection during the 20-year transition to 600 trees/ha. Eucalyptus productivity has declined to below 50% of 1990s levels, with current yields of 3.5–5 m³/ha/year. The project includes timber extraction, land restructuring, and road repairs. Biomass is incorporated into the soil to enhance fertility. The strategy supports ecological stability and long-term sustainability in the face of climate change.