Renature Monchique — Replanting the Algarve After the Fires

After the 2018 wildfire burned around 28,000 hectares in Portugal's Monchique mountains, environmental NGO GEOTA launched Renature Monchique to restore the landscape with native species like cork oak, chestnut, and strawberry tree. Working with landowners, the Monchique municipality, and conservation authorities, the project rebuilds forests that are more biodiverse and fire-resilient than the eucalyptus stands they replace. It is one of Portugal's largest native reforestation efforts.