VERDE - Associação para a Conservação Integrada da Natureza

VERDE (Associação para a Conservação Integrada da Natureza) runs a carbon offsetting programme that pays for the protection of ancient trees and the planting of new ones. It also has a volunteer network that maps Portugal's monumental trees. The non-profit association was founded in 2021 and is based in Lousada, Portugal (NIPC 516 314 270). It works on the integrated conservation of nature. The idea behind it is that nature can sustain its own cycles. VERDE sees its role as a near-invisible guiding hand that supports ecosystems without imposing on them. Its main programme, “Carbono Biodiverso”, lets individuals and organisations offset their carbon emissions by funding two things: the preservation of existing ancient trees and the planting of new ones. Through “Gigantes Verdes”, the association celebrates and raises awareness of Portugal's monumental trees. More than 210 volunteers map and protect them. The “VERDE Outdoor Club” organises hands-on activities in nature. There are multiple ways to take part: as a member (“Sócio Verde”), as a volunteer, or as a “Guardião” (Guardian) of nature. VERDE also offers training, including the “Formação Embaixadores Gigantes Verdes”, which is meant to equip community ambassadors for tree conservation. In 2026 it has support from the IEFP's “Estágios +Talento” programme, which helps bring young people into its executive team. The work is grassroots but grounded in science, and it combines conservation practice with community involvement. VERDE has an executive team and an advisory team, a growing community on social media and deep roots in northern Portugal.