Despite its vital role, the Associação Florestal do Baixo Vouga (AFBV) faces multiple challenges that threaten the sustainable management of forest resources in the Baixo Vouga region. One of the main issues is land fragmentation, where ownership is divided among many small parcels, making coordinated management difficult. This fragmentation hinders economies of scale, reduces profitability, and complicates efforts to implement coherent fire prevention or reforestation strategies.

 

Another persistent challenge is forest fires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, rural abandonment, and the prevalence of highly flammable exotic species such as eucalyptus and acacia. The lack of active

management in many forest areas increases fuel loads, raising the risk of catastrophic wildfires that devastate ecosystems and livelihoods. Additionally, invasive species and pests further threaten forest health, competing with native vegetation and decreasing biodiversity.

 

The aging and declining rural population exacerbates these issues. Younger generations often migrate to urban areas, leaving behind unmanaged lands and a shortage of skilled labour in forestry. Economic returns from traditional forest activities, such as timber production, are often too low to motivate sustainable investment, particularly for smallholders. Administrative and bureaucratic barriers, including complex regulations and limited access to funding, further discourage landowners from implementing management plans.

 

Finally, there is a knowledge and coordination gap between stakeholders—landowners, municipalities, industry, and government agencies—hindering the development of integrated landscape-level strategies. These systemic challenges require innovative solutions that balance ecological integrity, economic viability, and social cohesion.