CIM Region of Coimbra leads project to transform forest areas into food fields for bees

The Intermunicipal Community (CIM) of the Coimbra Region is leading the “BeeFood” project, which aims to convert areas currently dominated by exotic invasive woody species and the natural regeneration of Eucalyptus spp into food fields for pollinators, with particular attention to honey bees. The initiative represents a total investment of €63,242.34, of which €50,000 is financed by the Environmental Fund.

In a statement sent to Rádio Boa Nova, CIM Coimbra said that this transformation will be achieved through reforestation with native species and the sowing of perennial herbaceous plants. The areas to be intervened cover a total of 13.63 hectares and are located in the municipalities of Lousã, Mealhada, Mira, Miranda do Corvo, Penacova, Pampilhosa da Serra and Soure.

The project objectives include the creation of food fields for pollinators, the reduction of the natural regeneration area of ​​Eucalyptus spp, the recovery of areas currently dominated by invasive exotic species, the increase of biodiversity in monoculture areas and the promotion of the transformation of landscape, aiming to reduce the danger and risk of rural fires.

The “BeeFood” project aims to continue the investments that CIM Region of Coimbra has made in this area, namely, with projects to combat invasive exotic species such as Vespa velutina or water hyacinths, in order to protect nature and the heritage of invasive species, thus boosting our native forest and improving ecosystems.

The project will be presented tomorrow, April 3rd, from 10 am, at Movicarvalho in Lousã.