Montado Living Lab: Training and Best Practices in the Spotlight
As part of the training activities promoted by Montado Living Lab, an initiative of the CHANGE Associate Laboratory coordinated by the University of Évora, which includes MED, CE3C and CENSE, two new training courses were recently held as part of the cross-border project SOS PRODEHESA MONTADO. These initiatives reinforce the commitment to promoting the sustainable and resilient management of montado systems.
2nd edition of the training course “Cattle Management in the Montado Context”
On November 20th and 27th 2025, the 2nd edition of the training course ‘Cattle Management in the Montado Context’ took place, organised in association with ACOS – Associação de Agricultores do Sul (Association of Farmers of the South).
The course was once again led by Professor Manuel Cancela de Abreu, retired lecturer at the University of Évora, and brought together around 30 participants, including farmers, technicians and other professionals linked to the sector.
The practical component included a field trip to Herdade dos Grous, in Albernoa, where it was possible to observe and discuss on the ground management strategies adapted to the specificities of the montado, promoting the exchange of experiences and the deepening of technical knowledge applicable to the reality of agroforestry farms.
Awareness Campaign “Pruning Cork Oaks and Holm Oaks – Good Forestry Practices”
More recently, on February 19th 2026, an Awareness Campaign dedicated to ‘Pruning cork oaks and holm oaks – Good Forestry Practices’ was held at Herdade de Castelo Ventoso, in Azaruja.
This initiative was organised in collaboration with the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) and was led by Fernanda Rodrigues, with the support of the Borba team of forest rangers. The session focused on the technical principles and best practices associated with pruning cork oaks and holm oaks.
Given the high level of participation and interest, the Montado Living Lab intends to continue promoting this type of action aimed at the different agents in the territory involved in the management of the montado.
