QSHM Cork Oak Afforestation Pre 2026

Transformation of degraded land in Extremadura, Spain into cork oak estates. This project is the first in a series of future projects that will be grouped by annual cohorts. The baseline scenario is that traditional cork oak woodlands are under serious threats from climate change, fragile ecosystems, lack of management, wildfires as well as biotic and abiotic stresses. There is almost no incentive to plant new cork oak trees due to the very long time horizon. Cork oak estates increase the ecosystem value of the land, providing valuable habitats for native species, reducing erosion, and preserving the soil structure, increasing water holding and storing capacity as well as increasing shades. Degraded land is often used for non-permanent pastures, leading to desertification.