22 mayo 2019

In the past few months, O2P partner University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), has given some important steps regardind it’s Pilot Experience installation. After choosing a suitable area, integrated in Rede Natura 2000, some team elements participated in a land owner meeting to get authorization to use the field for the pilot experience purpose. This stage took some time and only in March an agreement was achieved and it was simbolically marked with the establishement of the projet poster on the field.

Simultaneously, UTAD prepared itself for the controlled burning that needed to take place, while weather conditions allowed it. In March 19th, a first aproach was made and the controlled burning took place coordinated by Carlos Rossa and Paulo Fernandes (UTAD). Because of adverse weather conditions, the operation was interrupted and resumed in the end of April, this time coordinated by Fátima Lucas (GTF Vila Real). UTAD is now preparing the next stages that involve vegetation characterization, the installation of fences around the plot and the aquisition of animals (Garrano horses) for grazing.