Who we are

The Collective Efficiency Strategy (EEC) PROVERE (Program for the Economic Valorization of Endogenous Resources) “Montado de Sobro e da Cortiça” (Cork Oak Forest), an initiative led by the Municipality of Coruche, obtained its first formal recognition on July 29, 2009, under the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 – QREN. Following its implementation and positive evaluation by the Managing Authority (MA) of the Alentejo Regional Program, it continued in the 2014-2020 period, based on principles and objectives of continuity and reinforcement of the strategy and partnership. To ensure the success of this initiative, the Municipality of Coruche is responsible for the Coordination and Management Structure, which includes a dedicated team and a set of activities to enhance the territory/resources and economic activities.

In the current financial programming period (Portugal 2030), more specifically in October 2024, the EEC PROVERE Action Plan “Montado de Sobro e Cortiça | Um Território Coletivo a Valorizar” (Cork Oak Forest | A Collective Territory to be Enhanced) was approved, with objectives and a renewed partnership that aims to continue working to capitalize on this unique and distinctive endogenous resource, which stands out as a unique and remarkable natural and humanized heritage of this territory. Strong action is expected with landowners and agents linked to this resource, aiming to strengthen the qualification and enhancement of the Cork Oak Forest, the remuneration of ecosystem services, and the development of experiences and a tourist destination of excellence in the national and international market.