Supported by NOVA IMS, the Platform of the National Desertification Observatory is an instrument to respond to the current challenges in Portugal. Currently, more than 54% of the country’s area is susceptible to desertification, and 46% of the Portuguese population lives in these areas.
Currently, the platform includes four research projects: two focusing on Trás-os-Montes, Douro, Beiras and Serra da Estrela, on how to increase the resilience of forests and burned areas, through the restoration and requalification of areas affected by fires and soil erosion. The other two projects cover Algarve and Alentejo areas to increase the resilience of the cork oak production systems, focused on soil protection, improving sustainable methods and production in agroforestry and extensive pastures.
The platform provides a set of useful information. In addition to promoting efficient management plans for water and water resources, the platform also aims to ensure the neutrality of soil degradation and mitigate the effects of drought.