eucalypt plantations; forest management; private owners

In 2015, eucalypt became the predominant tree species in Portugal and despite located in productive areas is often under insufficient/deficient management. The "Melhor Eucalipto" project, developed by CELPA, to promote good management practices for eucalypt stands through the organization of free roving Info Sessions to non-industrial private owners and the production of videos (~20) (www.celpa.pt/melhoreucalipto/category/videos/) and printable leaflets (~10) to be distributed or downloaded from the site (http://www.celpa.pt/melhoreucalipto/flyers/). To emphasize the impact of good management, the project comprises two side-by-side demonstration areas continuously monitored: one following the current management practiced by non-industrial forest owners and the other following the best recommend practices. The project also integrates an operational extension, the Limpa e Aduba Program (PLA), which offers landowners who apply technical support and the fertilization of their eucalyptus plantations, if they meet the eligibility criteria. In return, the owners are obliged to manage fuels and/or correct stand densities, in order to reduce the risk of fire, increase productivity and income, while promoting forest management and certification. At the end of the 3rd PLA campaign, about 3,800 owners have already benefited, corresponding to an area of 33,100 ha, mostly in smallholding plots.