UNESCO has officially inscribed the Ancient Cork-Oak Cultural Landscapes spanning parts of Portugal and Spain as a new World Heritage site. This designation recognizes the unique Dehesa and Montado systems, which have maintained a sustainable balance between human agriculture and biodiversity for over a millennium. The committee lauded the site for its "living heritage" status, where traditional harvesting techniques have remained virtually unchanged since the Roman era.
The protection status is intended to safeguard these landscapes against the dual threats of climate change and rural depopulation. By recognizing the cultural value of the cork-oak forests, UNESCO aims to promote eco-tourism and support the local communities that continue to practice these ancient agro-forestry traditions. This move follows a five-year advocacy campaign highlighting the role of these forests as critical carbon sinks and habitats for the endangered Iberian lynx.