Cork oak and its forests cover about 23% of Portugal’s wooded areas, particularly in Alentejo and Algarve. Indeed, these cork oak forests are the result of human management, but they play an essential role for global biodiversity. In addition, they offer a valuable resource and a unique ecosystem. Thus, their discovery allows us to better understand their ecological and economic importance.
Article and photographs by Guillaume Penaud edited by Julien Clozeau.
Cork oak: a plant treasure from Portugal
The cork oak (Quercus suber) is an evergreen tree from the Fagaceae family. Of medium size, it can reach 20 meters in height and live up to 300 years. Also called surier, suve or corsier, it grows in France and Italy. However, it is found in greater concentration on the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, its distribution area extends from Catalonia to the Balearic Islands, then concentrates in the center and south of Portugal.
Portugal, the world’s leading producer of cork, has been exploiting this natural resource for centuries. However, it is careful to study and preserve it. Indeed, this country is home to the largest cork forests and has protected the species since 1209 thanks to a law prohibiting its felling. Thus, a cork oak can only be cut down for phytosanitary reasons and with the agreement of the competent authorities.
Did you know?
Almost a third of the total area of cork oaks on the planet, estimated at 2,150,000 hectares, is in Portugal. In fact, the country produces almost half of the 310,000 tonnes of cork harvested in the world.
Cork oak from Portugal and the 9-year law
Cork has unique characteristics that man quickly identified. Its lightness, elasticity and impermeability to gases and liquids make it valuable. In addition, it offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation capacities. It is also distinguished by its slow combustion as well as its antistatic and antiallergenic properties. It is therefore not surprising that man has sought to exploit this resource and profit from it.
In Portugal, the exploitation of cork oak begins when the tree reaches 25 to 30 years old. This first stripping of bark allows the extraction of virgin cork or male cork, a hard and irregular material. Due to its structure, it is mainly used as insulation or flooring. Nine years later, the second stripping of bark, called secundeira, provides a medium-quality cork, also called first reproduction cork. After nine more years, the third debarking process produces black cork or amadia. At this point, the surier is 43 years old and finally produces reproduction cork, ideal for making stoppers.
From then on, every nine years, the surier produces a top-quality material for almost two centuries. If the debarking is done correctly, it can be repeated up to 17 times.
Did you know?
1.2 billion euros is the record sum brought in by cork exports to Portugal in 2023. 75% of this amount comes from the production of corks. It is estimated that one in three bottles of wine in the world is closed with a Portuguese-made cork.
Cork oaks in Portugal, biodiversity reservoirs and carbon sinks
With a coverage of 8% of the territory, the cork oak forests of Portugal provide an essential refuge for many species. In total, these woods are home to 135 varieties of plants, 24 species of reptiles and amphibians, 37 mammals and 160 birds. In addition, most are endemic to the region. This makes these forest areas the highest level of biodiversity in Europe.
Furthermore, with 736,000 hectares of cork oaks, the cork oak forests of Portugal play a key role in carbon storage. They form a natural barrier against greenhouse gas emissions. António Ríos Amorim, CEO of AMORIM, the Portuguese leader in cork with 35% of global production, explains that each kilo of cork stores 73 kg of CO₂. In addition, a cork stopper captures 400 g of CO₂, thus offsetting the emissions linked to the production of a glass bottle.
These data on biodiversity and the CO₂ absorbed underline the ecological importance and the essential role of these forests.
Did you know?
Along with the Amazon basin and the African savannahs, the cork oak forests of Portugal are one of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity on the planet.
Cork oak in Portugal at the heart of climate issues
There are two main types of farms: Montados, which combine livestock farming and cork production, and more recent plantations, organized in dense forests. The latter offer many ecological niches. Together, these two models play a key role in carbon sequestration and the preservation of ecosystems. In addition, they help protect soils by limiting erosion and desertification in areas affected by drought.
Furthermore, thanks to its thick bark, cork oak gives these forests great resilience to fires. This asset is all the more valuable in a context where forest fires are intensifying due to climate change.
The Higher Institute of Agronomy of Lisbon, through its Department of Forestry Studies, supports farmers in preserving these forests and ensuring the viability of farms. Its research helps to better understand the ecological dynamics of cork oak forests and to optimize management practices. By providing appropriate tools and knowledge, the institute encourages sustainable exploitation that balances cork production and environmental protection.
Although shaped by Man, cork oak forests are not limited to economic exploitation. They play a key role in the fight against climate change. In addition, they are home to unique biodiversity and provide essential support to local farmers.
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