VÉMONOS NO MONTE (VEMO-NOS NO MONTE)

<< Background >>The project 'Vémonos no Monte!' (‘See you in the forest!’) pursued the creation of a cross-border network of semi-professional brigades between Galicia (NW Spain) and North of Portugal, to address an environmental problem common to habitats in both countries, such as the control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).The focus of ‘Vémonos no Monte!’ was on bushy and tree species of the acacia genus (mainly Acacia melanoxylon and Acacia dealbata) and eucalyptus, due to their relevant role in the deterioration of ecosystems and contribution to the increased risk of forest fires.Furthermore, the existence of a demand in both territories to improve education and training in forestry issues of people and/or communities (who had been mobilizing around environmental conflicts at the local and/or regional level) had also been detected. Finally, the need to collaborate for the exchange of good practices between neighboring territories was also detected.By taking part in the “Vémonos no Monte!” (‘See you in the forest!’) project all of them have improved their knowledge and training in forestry issues, about the control of invasive species in particular, with the advantage that this will bring to improve the job prospects of the participants.<< Objectives >>The priority was to care for natural spaces vulnerable to the spread of Invasive Exotic Species (IAS), acacia and eucalyptus in particular. Also, to:-Raise awareness and educate on environmental issues about IASs and their negative impacts at the colonized areas, ie. loss of biodiversity and increased risk of fires.-Improve the education of participants in forestry matters, with special emphasis on the management of the aforementioned IASs.-Generate training itineraries in environmental conservation, forestry and forest fire prevention that are i.-eminently practical and applicable at both sides of the border; and ii.-can provide a career advantage for participants.-The creation and/or strengthening of regional and transnational networks between Galicia (NW Spain) and North of Portugal.-As a consequence of the former, to improve cooperation in the area of the Galicia – North of Portugal Euroregion on the matters addressed by the project.-Improve social cohesion in the places where the activities were carried out.-That Communal Forest in rural Galicia (Montes Vecinales en Mán Común), 'Baldíos' in Portugal, and other forest plot holders in both countries, will be able to resort to the brigades formed from this project.<< Implementation >>1. Adult learning and training activities, whether brigade members with some experience or neophytes:-local/regional calls (15), whose dynamics consisted of a call to communal work ('roga' in Galician tradition) and collective afterwork-lunch. Prior to the intervention, the participants were instructed by experts on the techniques put into practice in the activity and then 'learned by doing' it themselves.-Cross-border calls (4) between Galicia and Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal, following the dynamics of local 'rogas'.2. Talk-colloquium (1)3. Seminars (detailed in X-cel document uploaded to the E+PRP platform); Usually a 'roga' and a seminar or workshop in the afternoon were scheduled on the same day:-Practical workshops (9)-In-person seminars (7), various topics of interest to the project-Virtual seminar (1)5. Civic Forum (1)6. Final virtual seminar (1) for the presentation of the project results.7. Children's activities:-during the 'rogations' of adults and emulating them, but adapted to the children’s abilities;-designed for children, so that adults could focus on their training.<< Results >>OUTPUTS1-Creation of the project web platform2-Creation of original educational materials:‘Vémonos no Monte!' Notebook (1) and supporting music: field diary aimed at children and their families;Didactic units (10), ministories with an attractive graphic design explaining a) origin and motivation of the brigades and their work dynamics; b) problems of IASs; and c) techniques for its management and control applied in the project;Video tutorials (10) of around 2 minutes each, illustrating the techniques applied in the field interventions (called 'rogas' in Galician language)3-Poster A3 “Invasive Plants” (1)All of them freely available through the project websiteOUTCOMES4-A training itinerary is proposed, reflected in a 'curriculum guide', applicable in both countries to train semi-professional forest brigade members, based on didactic resources and 'learning by doing'5-Issuance of X accreditations6-Creation in the Galicia-N.Portugal Euroregion of the cross-border network anticipated in the project proposal7- Disseminate and raise awareness about the impact of IAS, particularly acacia and eucalyptus, in the Euroregion8-Make the project and the Erasmus+ Program visible to society9-Serve as inspiration in other countries