Monte Veciñal en Man Común de Couso (MVMC de Couso), Spain
Who and where are we?
In Galicia, a quarter of the land (more than 7,000km2), is known as Mountain Forest Community land, which is owned and managed by 2,800 communities. These numbers give an indication of our identity and National culture, but also the productive and economic value of the lands.
This Mountain Forest Community land (Monte Veciñal en Man Común in Galician) is under a type of private ownership which has Germanic origins, and that is unique in the context of the state (government). The land is mainly situated in the northwest of Spain and almost exclusively in Galicia.
We (the Mountain Forest Community of Couso) are located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia), specifically within the town council area of Gondomar. This area is part of the Val Miñor county in the south of the province of Pontevedra, just 14km from Portugal. Our community governs an area of 3.3km2, of which 3km2 is productive. Management decisions are made by the assembly members and agreedby the Governing Board.
All those who live in a "house with smoke" (a metaphor for a house that is inhabited), have the right to vote in the decision-making and election of the Governing Board. Each "house with smoke" has the right to one vote, cast by any of its occupants.
Native species and ecological production
Fundamental to our approach is use of modern managerial techniques to transform the forest land into a valuable multi-functional and sustainable resource.
In addition to the conventional use of pine and eucalyptus, we have planted chestnut trees, and more recently, cherry and walnut trees.These are considered “more noble” species that enhance the landscape of our mountain forest. They also offer new economic opportunities.
Left: Eucalyptus Right: Deciduous foliage
Our community is working towards the systematic elimination of invasive tree species, such as acacias and eucalyptus to safeguard the environmental value of the forest, and respect the native species.
A commitment to management, modernisation and diversification
Couso has been moving from the exploitation of species that deteriorated and impoverished the soil (such as acacias, eucalyptus and pines) to the use of traditional native species. These not only add significant value but incorporate something visually special into the landscape of the forest.For several years we have been promoting the planting of oak and chestnut trees to open new horizons and to revitalise our economy. By planting fruit bearing trees (with market demand), e.g. cherry trees, walnut trees, and deciduous species, we can generate economic resources for the community projects.
The community of Couso is fortunately located in the highest part of a beautiful valley, The Val Miñor. There are nearby tourist beach towns and an attractive spot for local parishioners and neighbours to visit.
Left: Val Miñor as seen from Couso, Right: Couso in the foreground
For this reason walking routes have been designed and named so that people can enjoy walking in this natural environment. The two routes designed and created in our community (the old river mill and the archaeological route), allow accessibility to the mountain forest. This is an area that provides a high quality of life for its inhabitants and improves visitors’ quality of life.
We also organise educational day trips in our mountain forest for school children. We aim to improve their understanding and appreciation of natural surroundings.
Production of raspberries and shiitake
Within these mountainous areas there are raspberry, blueberry, red/blackcurrant, chestnut and the delicious shiitake mushroom. The Couso community pursue initiatives at the forefront of experimental and alternative forest production. For example, we use raspberries and blueberries from.to produce ‘eco-label” certified preserves. We sell these as part of diversifying our income and adding value to our agroforestry production. This generates more economic resources for the residents. It also helps transform the forest into a more environmentally friendly space, which improves the residents’ quality of life.
Fruit trees and shiitake
Our commitment to the land, mountain forests, cultural heritage and our language has been recognised. We have been granted the IRGADE award (Irmandade Galega Adegueiros-The Brotherhood of Galician winemakers), a body who especially promote the use of the Galician language.
The Discovery of 38 petroglyphs in 2019
Collaboration between various entities has typified Couso´s identity.The combined efforts of several of these from the Gondomar town council area have surpassed our expectations.For example, a collaboration with the Instituto de Estudios Miñoranos (Institute of Studies related to the Miñor population) resulted in the discovery of 38 petroglyphs located across 24 different areas and dating back 4000 years.
Petroglyphs discovered in 2019
The abstract art represents horseback riders, reticulate shapes, circular formations, hollows, and animal shapes. At present Couso is an open museum where people can visit this unique ancestral artwork.
A peculiar initiative
Perhaps the most peculiar initiative is its "Bosque da Memoria" (Forest in memoriam).This is a forest space reserved for the public, where families can plant a tree in memory of their deceased loved ones.It is an elevated 4,000 km2 spot called Chan de Mamonda with a unique view of the Miñor Valley. People can plant all kinds of trees, as long as they are at least 10 meters apart to allow for growth.Those interested simply contact the Mountain Forest Community for authorisation. They can have a stone engraved with the person´s name and date of birth/death on one side, and the tree species and its origin on the other side. This stone is then placed under the tree.
Forest in memoriam
There is still a long way to go down this complex path, but we are committed and convinced that the mountain forests will provide (in the near future) much more to meet the needs of our parish, for those who live here as well as humanity as a whole.
This case study was originally published by UNEP-WCMC in April 2021. The content was provided by the custodians of this ICCA. The ICCA has been self-declared and has been through a peer-review process to verify its status. More details on this process can be found here. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UN Environment Programme or WCMC.