Drones are being deployed to rapidly reseed vast tracts of land in Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park, a critical effort to restore ecosystems devastated by summer wildfires. The technology is providing a crucial advantage in the post-fire recovery of the region.
The Municipality of Ponte da Barca is spearheading the seeding operation. This initiative targets burned areas within the park, particularly the Serra Amarela mountain range.
The primary goals of the project are to accelerate the regeneration of vegetation, protect the exposed soil from erosion, and ensure a future food source for local animal populations. The summer fires consumed thousands of hectares, leaving significant ecological damage and pastures depleted.
Using drones allows for efficient dispersal of seeds across difficult and extensive terrain. The technology helps cover large areas quickly and effectively, which would be challenging and time-consuming with traditional methods.
The recovery effort involves a broad collaboration between various entities. Partners include the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), local common land communities, regional landowners’ associations, and several parish councils.
Agricultural confederations, specifically CONFAGRI and CAP (Confederation of Farmers of Portugal), are also contributing. A forage production company, NUTRIPRADO, is part of the coordinated effort.