Forest Intervention Zones (ZIF) - Land Laboratory (LaboraTe)

Forest Intervention Zones(ZIF)Santiago de Compostela19-04-2007DGRF, Zita Costa

The proposal of ZIF appears in 1980, with a decreeproject on the Portuguese Parliament.But, only in 2003 the ZIF where approved by theGovernment.The decree regulating the creation of ZIF waspublished in August of 2005.

200320051979198119831985198719891991199319951997199920011977250000200000150000100000500000Burned forest areas (1970-2006)5 years Averages1975

After 2003 wildfires,The Government approved the ZIF as one of the means tosolve some of the problems, already described, and identifiedin the ambit of the Act of Structural Reform of the ForestSector.(RCM n.º 178/2003 de 31 de Outubro.)

In 5th August of 2005,Was published the DL n.º 127/2005 that regulates the formthat ZIF can be created and function.A ZIF is: A continuous delimited territorial area; Formed in their majority by forest areas; Submitted to a management and wildfireprotection forest plans ; Managed by a single entity.in minimum,1 000 ha50 forest owners100 rural properties

ZIF objectives: Promote an active and permanent management of forest areas; Protect the forest areas and rural areas associated in a efficientway; Promote the rehabilitation of the forest areas affected bywildfires; Reduce the ignition conditions and the propagation of wildfires; Allows the coordination of the different instruments that exist forland use management; Contribute to a better land use management.8

Serra do CaldeirãoAids applied in Serra doCaldeirão (2000-2004)LouléSão Brásde AlportelTavira

Land use management systemPNPOT - National program for the landuse management policyENF – National Strategy for ForestZIFPROTPROFPDMPOAP POAPDFCIThe ZIF can implement measures and actions established in theregional and county plans, to guarantee an coordinate action on theterrain.10

The process to develop a ZIF:Previous consultationPublic consultationFinal audiencePublicitationof:1. List of Owners /2. Manager entity3. Cartography4. Land registry5. Internal regulation projectSubmission of finalproposal to the MinisterSubscribed by minimum for 30forest owners, that own at least,50% of ZIF area.DGRFProposalThe results of the meeting arevalidated by DGRFMADRPCreation of ZIF, bygovernmental decree11

Main principles on the creation of ZIF Guarantee awareness and participation of all interestedpeople. Through the participation of DGRF, the Governmenthas responsibility since DGRF has to validate the process. Make the forest owners responsible for themanagement of their lands.12

How do ZIF function:StructuralelementsManager entity• set of rules calledINTERNAL REGULATIONS• FMP_ZIF;• PPPFF_ZIF;• Land registry;• Forest inventory ofproperties of unknownowners;(…)Generalassembly offorest ownersinvolved• Integrated management;• Professional management;•Guarantee of adherentsinterests;• Undertake actions in order topromote the carrying out of themandatory plans;• Make the annual activity plansand the reports of its executionand accounts;(…)

Supports for ZIFPermanent Forest Fund supports: The costs related with the process of the development ofa ZIF( 39 projects, 1,6milion €) The costs for elaboration of ZIF management and fireprevention and protection plans;QCA IV supports: The costs related with forests investments14

ZIF, an instrument to improve productivity andSustainable forest managementThe work volume demands the existence of a team that will allowknowledge to: improve product quality and quantity, in order to, increaseeconomic value; use the best cultural practices to ensure soil conservation andwater quality; Maintain protected species or small areas with value forvegetation diversity and to the quality of the landscape; Reduce the hazards of wildfires, pests and diseases.

ZIF, an instrument to improve productivity andSustainable forest managementThe existence of:forest management plans;professional management;prevention and protection plan a large area and a global vision of the territory will allowthe environmental, socio-cultural cultural and economical functionsto perform in a balanced way.Confers ZIF the essential requirements to implement asustainable forest management and certification.

Procedures for the delimitationof a ZIF:►Orography of the terrainFounder Group (NF)Owners of properties (composed in majorityby forest areas) continuous or contiguous,at a minimum of 10% of the total ZIF’ area.Responsible for the development of all theprocess until the submission to the DGRF,and they must abide by the law thatregulates the constitution of ZIF.►Road system, infrastructures,site conditions, administrativelimits, etc.►Fire Hazard► Forest stand typesand other soil occupation►Guide lines produced bythe Commission for thereforestation, where weredefined areas and rules for theimplementation of ZIF

Example of a ZIF delimitationZIF LimitAdministrative Limit

ZIF CONSULTAForest Intervention Zones(ZIF)Different phases (73 ZIF)1.Previous consultation-252. Public consultation-203. Final audience-154. Final request,submission of final proposalto the Minister-13ESC: 1/2.500.000

ZIF in the North of Portugal14 ZIF 77 545,83 haAdministrative Limit Forest Fire Distribution-1991 /2005

ZIF in the Center of Portugal 40 ZIF 216 070,5 ha

ZIF in the South of Portugal 9 ZIF 40 695,26ha

ZIF Evolution since its regulation(5/08/05)YearArea (ha)NumberOn goingCanceledApproved2005102 572,1631112006264 613,87685116120079 806,001919--

North Center South9080706050403020100BM AM Tâm. Douro Nor. BP DL PIN PIS BIN BIS CL ROAML Alg.N.º ZIFN.º médio prop. NFNumber of ZIF by different regions of the countryAverage of the Number of Founder Group owners

ZIF - Total AreaÁrea total (ha)9000080000700006000050000400003000020000100001400012000100008000600040002000Área média (ha)0BM AM Tâm. Douro Nor. BP DL PIN PIS BIN BIS CL ROAML Alg.0Área totalTotal areaÁrea médiaAverage areaby ZIF

Approved ZIFAlto MinhoBarroso e Padrel aBaixo MinhoNordesteAMP e Entre Douro e VougTâmegaDouroDão LfõesBeira Interio rNorteCentr oLitora lZIF do Cadaval8 216haOesteRibat ejoPinhal Interior NortePinhal Interior SulAl toAlentejoBeira Interior SulZIF Alva e Alvoco4 700 ha(30/11/06)(26/01/07)AMLAle ntejo CentralAle ntejo LitoralBaixo Alentej oAlgarve40 0 40 80 Kms

Delimitation of ZIF do Cadaval

ZIF CADAVALTotal area – 8 216haArea of the 12 founder group – 1 348ha (16,4% of ZIF)Area belongs to the 80 supporter owners – 4 466haDescription of the Forest area:Eucalyptus globulus – 5 124haPinus pinaster – 730haQuercus suber – 240haMais goalsNatural vegetation – 544ha√ Improve the management and the enhancement of the revenues;√Decrease the forest fire hazard;√Obtain forest certification;√ Promote the diversity of forest products

Obrigadazita.costa@dgrf.min-agricultura.ptanabela.teixeira@dgrf.min-agricultura.pt