Eco123 Revista da Economia e Ecologia
On Saturday, 8 November at 10 a.m., the Botanical Forest Garden currently under construction at Esgravatadouro near Caldas de Monchique will open its doors to the interested public. Visitors will be shown the 
WetNet forest fire protection system and given an explanation as to how it works. At 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and every hour on the hour, WetNet will be switched on and a representative of the Esgravatadouro cooperative, Cooperativa do Ambiente CRL, will be available to answer technical and financial questions.
The botanical forest garden has a fire prevention system consisting of ten sprinklers situated in different areas. The pipes were laid underground in the forest soil by hand so that no tree roots would be damaged.
Now that the system is operational, the remaining trees are being planted. There will be a section of native fruit trees, as well as a section of deciduous trees, all of which are native to Monchique and the Algarve. The focus is on the Monchique oak, quercus canariesis. Special consideration is being given to slow-growing trees such as walnut and carob, cork-oak and lime trees, with the aim of creating a biodiverse oasis as an alternative to the sea of eucalyptus monocultures.
Since the forest fires of 2018, invasive tree species have also been attempting to invade the Botanical Forest Garden. ECO123 demonstrates the only successful method that botanists can use to protect themselves against invasive tree species. Anyone interested in learning how should bring a pocketknife as a tool.
These are pioneer plants that originate from Australia and have been plaguing Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula since the devastating forest fires: acacia and mimosa. Under no circumstances should these invasive tree species be treated with a chainsaw, because they will then spread like cancer.
Another working group is concerned with the construction of important structures. For example, a tree nursery is planned, as well as a path with a handrail and cobblestones for nature lovers with walking disabilities. The programme of the Botanical Forest Garden is always worked out two years in advance. For example, a working group is currently discussing the sculpture symposium, which will be a combination of culture and nature. The aim of the Botanical Forest Garden is to promote the peaceful coexistence of nature and culture without forest fires. The event will end at around 2 p.m.
