Portugal join the MMFN with a new Initiative led by The Federação Nacional dos Baldios (BALADI)

At the end of July 2025 a collaboration protocol was signed by the MMFN Secretary to establish a new Model Forest Initiative in Portugal, led by The Federação Nacional dos Baldios (BALADI),  in partnership with the "Prof. Baeta Neves" Center for Applied Ecology (CEABN), of School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, as a technical and scientific partner.

BALADI, is the representative body of Portuguese communal land, known as "Baldios", mostly forested areas with high ecological, social and economic value, characterized by a long tradition of participatory management, rooted in local communities. The Federation actively promotes the sustainability of these territories by supporting rural communities, fostering multifunctional forest management, conserving biodiversity, preventing wildfires, encouraging rural development, and valuing traditional knowledge.

On the other hand, CEABN has a long history of research and technical support for the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in landscape ecology, forest governance, fire prevention and adaptation to climate change.

The principles underlying the MMFN including integrated landscape approaches, inclusive governance and the knowledge sharing- are fully aligned with BALADI's mission and practice. By joining the Network, this new Portuguese initiative will strengthen synergies, foster the exchange of good practices, and open new opportunities for international cooperation on sustainable solutions tailored to the Mediterranean context.