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In the 16th century, the Vale de Canas National Forest was called the Kings’ Forest because it belonged to the Portuguese Royal Crown, and holds a rich biodiversity and a considerable genetic heritage, playing an important function of conservation, and offering the enjoyment of nature. This is a space of high environmental quality, with great conditions for environmental education and awareness events, as well as the practice of sports, recreation and leisure. As far as fauna is concerned, there are two Iberian endemic species among many others: the Long-tailed lizard and the Iberian frog.
A relevant role is assigned to National Forests within the framework of public forest policies and nature conservation, both at the level of the functions of forest spaces and the management of the conservation of high-value ecosystems.