MED hosts international delegation from the TransforMed project for an exchange on Mediterranean agroforestry systems
On May 4 and 6, 2026, MED welcomed, in the University of Évora, the TransforMed project partners as part of a Learning Route organised in partnership with DAC — Dryland Agroforestry Centre. The initiative combined training sessions and knowledge exchange with field visits to farms where innovative approaches to sustainable Montado management are being implemented.
TransforMed aims to promote the adoption of agroforestry systems (AFS) in saline and degraded areas of Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. Within this consortium, MED-University of Évora is responsible for the pillar dedicated to policies for the adoption of these systems, with a team led by researcher Helena Guimarães contributing expertise in the implementation of measures such as Result-Based Model for the Montado, and the Tertúlias do Montado platform, supporting knowledge transfer across Mediterranean regions.
May 4: International Tertúlia do Montado
The first day began with the inaugural International Tertúlia do Montado, which included a visit to Herdade de São Luís, in Montemor-o-Novo. Francisco Alves, the estate manager, presented the management options implemented and the results achieved on this property, which stands out for its adoption of regenerative practices in the Montado, combining a traditional silvo-pastoral approach with holistic grazing.
The afternoon at Gandum Village was dedicated to sharing experiences on agroforestry systems across the participating countries, in a dialogue enriched by the presence of around twenty participants who contributed their testimonies and knowledge of the Montado. The group discussed challenges, opportunities, and possible solutions adaptable to different Mediterranean contexts, fostering a space for collaborative learning.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit the agroforests of Gandum Village, where syntropic agriculture is combined with traditional practices to produce food sustainably, promoting biodiversity and soil regeneration.
May 6: Result-Based Montado Management – Training Session on Visual Indicator Assessment
The second day was dedicated to the agri-environment measure Result-Based-Model (RBM), a pilot project aimed at the conservation and regeneration of the Montado through environmental outcome-based funding.
The morning session took place at Herdade da Mitra, where Professor Teresa Pinto Correia welcomed the delegation and presented the work developed by the research group that originated this measure.
The MED researchers responsible for coordinating the implementation of RBM — Helena Guimarães, Isabel Ferraz de Oliveira, and André Oliveira — presented the guiding principles of the measure, including field visual indicators, environmental scoring systems, and monitoring tools.
During the afternoon, the group visited Herdade Terra de Freiras, where the RBM model is currently being implemented. Organised into small groups and accompanied by researchers Sofia Lanternas, Mafalda Brilhante, André Oliveira, and Rui Saraiva, participants carried out field assessments using indicator sheets and applying the knowledge gained in a real-world context.
The session also featured a contribution from Professor Mário Carvalho, focused on practices for maintaining healthy soils and on the sustainability of Mediterranean agroforestry systems.
Among the main conclusions of this knowledge exchange, the TransforMed project partners highlighted the potential for adapting the RBM to different Mediterranean contexts.
During this Learning Route, TransforMed partners and MED researchers also had the opportunity to learn about other initiatives promoting agroforestry systems: Casa Mendes Gonçalves, Estação Biológica de Mértola, Future Lab — Terra Sintópica, Industrial Farense, and Alfaboa.
Follow the development of TransforMed at:
The TransforMed project receives funding from the PRIMA programme under Grant No. 2311, a programme supported by the European Union.
