At the end of 2024, a visit was made to the Pinhal da Real Casa da Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, a unique area spanning 654.62 hectares, managed by Valbopan, recognised as an example of sustainable forest management.
The visit was led by Agronomist Engineer Carlos Trindade, responsible for the management plan, and was attended by Engineer Graça Cáceres, responsible for Environment, Safety & Certifications at the Investwood group.
Sustainable Management and Valchromat Production
The Pinhal da Nazaré is not only a conservation area but also a responsible source of raw material for the production of Valchromat, a coloured wood fibre panel produced at the Valbopan factory. This product, internationally recognised for its quality and innovation, stands out for its durability and versatility in the furniture, construction, and design industries.
Graça Cáceres emphasised the balance between sustainable exploitation and environmental responsibility:
“The supply of wood from the Pinhal da Nazaré for the production of Valchromat reflects the perfect integration between the sustainable management of natural resources and the creation of high-value-added products. The certification of our chain of custody ensures that each Valchromat panel is synonymous with environmental responsibility.”
The wood from the Pinhal da Nazaré holds FSC® and PEFC forest management certifications. These certifications attest that the Pinhal da Nazaré is managed in accordance with the Principles and Criteria of FSC® and PEFC, preserving biodiversity and benefiting the lives of workers and local communities, while ensuring the economic sustainability of the Pinhal da Nazaré.
The Pinhal da Nazaré Management Plan ensures that wood is harvested in a controlled manner, with interventions such as selective thinning and the use of natural regeneration, promoting the healthy growth of the predominant species in the area, the Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster).
Carbon Sink and Ecological Balance
Valuing forest ecosystems is one of the viable responses in terms of adaptation, mitigation, and resilience to the effects of climate change. Plants and trees in forests remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and retain it in roots, stems, and leaves. Another part of the CO₂ removed by the forest is stored in the leaf litter and soil.
The Forest Management Plan (FMP), in effect until 2038, defines rigorous measures to ensure the sustainability of the forest and its contribution to climate change mitigation.
The carbon sequestration by the pine trees, combined with responsible management practices, positions this area as an important natural carbon dioxide (CO₂) sink.
During the visit, Carlos Trindade explained:
“The sustainable exploitation of the pine forest ensures the quality of the raw material for the production of Valchromat. Each intervention is planned to balance forest preservation, ensuring responsible supply for industry.”
The plan also includes:
- Combating pests and diseases, such as the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) and the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus).
- Control of invasive species, such as the acacia (Acacia longifolia).
- Implementation of fire protection strips, essential for forest resilience.
Social Impact and Regional Valorisation
The Pinhal da Nazaré plays a central role in the daily life of the local community. It is a space for leisure, sports, and socialising, with infrastructures such as walking trails, cycle paths, and the deer enclosure, which constitute tourist and cultural attractions.
Carlos Trindade reinforced the social importance of the pine forest:
“The Pinhal is not just a forest; it is part of the daily life of the local community. People use it for sports and leisure. It is our duty to keep it accessible, safe, and valued.”
In addition to providing a natural refuge, the sustainable management of the pine forest generates direct and indirect jobs, boosting the local economy and ensuring a balance between economic exploitation and environmental conservation.
Relationship with the Valbopan Factory
The wood from the Pinhal da Nazaré is transformed at Valbopan into the innovative product Valchromat, an example of how industry can operate in harmony with the environment.
The factory operates according to circular economy principles, minimising waste and making the most of each natural resource.
The production of Valchromat is characterised by the use of specific resins in controlled processes, ensuring the durability and versatility of the final product. This relationship represents a perfect interconnection between sustainable forest management and responsible industrial production.
Preservation of Heritage and Sustainable Future
With historical roots dating back to the 12th century, the Pinhal da Nazaré remains a symbol of balance between the past and the future. The Forest Management Plan, under the leadership of Carlos Trindade, ensures that this natural heritage will be protected and valued for future generations.
Graça Cáceres concluded:
“The Pinhal da Real Casa da Nazaré is not just a source of raw material and a carbon sink; it is an environmental, social, and economic heritage. Its sustainable management is the key to ensuring a future where the forest, the community, and industry coexist in balance.”
The Pinhal da Real Casa da Nazaré represents an exemplary case of Sustainable Forest Management, fostering the connection between sustainable development and the business environment. It is pertinent to affirm that sustainability is no longer just an option for companies but is becoming a strategic vision, adopting a more responsible stance in their actions, in response to the growing concern of consumers.
