Last Friday, 12 July, we continued with the Volunteer Days of the ‘Guardians of Cabeço Santo 2024’ project. This event, which is of great importance for environmental preservation, is promoted with the support of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ) through the Youth Volunteering for Nature and Forests programme. We also had the valuable collaboration of the Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga and Agadão Parish Council, which kindly provided the necessary transport for the activities.

The volunteering activities took place in the Chousa area, near the Ribeiro de Belazaima, close to the Feridouro site. The activities carried out were extremely important for the conservation and recovery of the local ecosystem. Specifically, we signposted small trees that had sprouted spontaneously, which is fundamental to guaranteeing the protection of these new plants. To protect these trees, we create nests around them, a technique that helps them survive and grow. In addition, we put organic matter on the ground, a practice that aims to cover and strengthen the soil, thus promoting a more favourable environment for plant development.

The adjacent hillside, which had accumulations of brambles and acacias from previous interventions, was also the object of our actions. We created containment lines that not only helped to organise this material, but also facilitated passage on the hillside, making the area more accessible and manageable for future interventions.

Through these continued and organised actions, we have reaffirmed our commitment to preserving and caring for nature, making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability and the recovery of local ecosystems. This joint effort not only demonstrates the effectiveness of youth volunteering, but also emphasises the importance of collaboration between institutions and the community in promoting sustainable environmental practices.