MONTES DE COUSO, AN INFINITE SOURCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES WITH A MULTIFUNCTIONAL PURPOSE

By project GIFT

Published on 19 February 2025

Spain

Galicia

Gondomar

About this good practice

We carry out a forest management based on multifunctionality and turn it into a source of inexhaustible resources.
New and more noble tree species are added to the traditional timber exploitation of pines and eucalyptus, with greater landscape value and new economic horizons: chestnut, cherry and walnut trees.
We are working on the systematic and constant elimination of invasive tree species for greater environmental value.
A better quality of life by opening up the mountain to hiking routes; the mills route and the archaeological route.
We hold educational days in the forest for schoolchildren so that they can get to know and appreciate it.
Our aim is to diversify the sources of resources; we are pioneers in alternative productions of the forest: raspberry, blueberry, currant, chestnut, or the delicious variety of arrow ‘shiitake’.
We are making progress in organic production, in the production and marketing of packaged products (raspberry or blueberry jams).
We have been recognised as an example of good management in the UN ICCA register and with the IRGADE award for the promotion of our language.

Expert opinion

Montes de Couso is a rich and diverse landscape that serves as a living example of how natural resources can be managed sustainably and multifunctionally. Beyond providing timber and non-wood forest products, it plays a key role in climate regulation, water retention, and biodiversity conservation. The area supports traditional practices, environmental education, ecotourism, and cultural heritage, blending ecological value with social and economic benefits. Its multifunctional approach showcases how rural territories can lead the way in building resilient, nature-based solutions for the future. Such approach is in line with the new EU Forest Strategy for 2030, which establishes a roadmap for concrete actions to increase both the quantity and quality of European forests, doubling down on their protection, restoration, and resilience. This good practice reflects the core principles of sustainable forest management promoted by the EU, and can be adopted by other regions.

Magda Michaliková

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

4 employees to carry out practical work. Support from professional forest managers, subsidies from Xunta Galicia, and microcredits from 70% of its partners. 2023: investment 200.000 € (70% from sale of wood),4%, sale of shitake mushrooms. 9/10 € are reinvested in maintaining natural habitat balance

Evidence of success

Inclusion in the UN register - ICCA
Increase multifunctionality, biodiversity: replacement of pyrophytic species by deciduous species, which have increased by 70% (2011-2021). Estimated increase 2011-2031: 176%
* Economic diversification: incorporating new forest crops (like shiitake, raspberries, blueberries, currants) and 2 new jobs in 2024
* Maintaining social cohesion, increasing the sense of belonging and reducing emigration, with conferences, meetings and visits

Potential for learning or transfer

Activities with students to learn about forest and natural environment. Visit the Forest of the Language, combining science, environmental awareness, plastic, scenic and literary arts in the minority language, stand out.
This way of managing the forest is transferable to other areas, with it is necessary to adapt it to the particular circumstances and taking into account the different economic, social, legal and market conditions, as well as their particular natural and territorial habitats.
In short, forests can be harvested sustainably for the benefit of both local communities and nature. To be successful, any action must be preceded by good planning and monitoring to ensure that the results are in line with the legal framework and political priorities of the area.
Other Communities of Forests in Man Comun (Community Forest Management Groups) such as Covelo, Teis, Froxán, Paranos, Coruxo, in Galicia and Portugal, are already implementing and sharing similar Good Practices.