The end of portuguese eucalyptus forests

As soon as I crossed the border today, beautiful oak forests accompanied me and the end of government promoted monoculture eucalyptus. Diego explained last night that a Monopolistic wood company in combination with government promotion of Eucalyptus have over 20 years totally changed the Portuguese landscape and are also the reason for the terrible fires every year as eucalyptus burns like petrol. But the population woke up when two years ago when 150 people died when a whole village was trapped by fires all around.
In the same fire, one Quinta, belonging to a dutch lady who planted chestnuts, oaks and other trees in a mixed forest 50 years ago was not burnt down. These photographs showed the effect of mixed vegetation in a dramatic way and have triggered the discussion on eucalyptus monoculture.Read more