Participation in WTREX: An International Learning Opportunity



Daniela Gonçalves has been a Commercial Forestry Technician since June 2021 at Altri Florestal, the Altri Group's forestry asset management company, working directly with the company's Land Management with a focus on the northern region of Portugal. Her day-to-day work involves identifying, visiting, and analysing potential forest land, followed by negotiations with the owners, aiming to expand the Group's forest areas. In addition, during the wildfire season Daniela joins forces with Afocelca, a Forest Protection company dedicated to fighting rural fires, with nationwide implementation, helping to protect areas in danger.

A New Journey

The decision to take part in WTREX - Women's Traditional Fire Training Exchange was not taken lightly. This program is an opportunity to exchange knowledge with professionals from all over the world who share this same passion. The more than two hundred applicants for the just forty available places had to pass strict selection criteria, which took into account geographical diversity, past experiences, and gender representativeness. For Daniela, being selected was an honour and recognition of all her work in the field.

Post-Event Reflections: An Inspiring Experience

After ten immersive days at WTREX, the balance is that it was an enriching experience, not only personally but also professionally. Living with people from twenty-one nationalities provided a unique insight into the realities and challenges faced by professionals in the sector from all over the world. The role of women in firefighting management was also widely discussed, revealing the difficulties and barriers that still exist in this area.

Learnings and Challenges: A Perspective for the Future 

As one of the youngest participants, Daniela came back with a great number of valuable lessons! She highlights the importance of understanding fire as an ally and not just as a threat, as well as the need to demystify taboos associated with its use. In the international context, she says that Portugal and Spain have a more avant-garde approach to the use of fire, compared to other countries represented at the event.

The Meaning of WTREX Being Held in Portugal: A Close and Accessible Experience

The fact that this edition of the event was held in Portugal had a special meaning for Daniela, it made all the logistics of taking part more accessible. There is a hope that holding the event in the country will open the door to future editions in Europe, allowing more professionals to get involved. 

Daniela also emphasizes the importance of events like WTREX for professionals working with fire and forests. The exchange of knowledge and experience is unmeasurable, and it is events as this one that offer unique opportunities to overcome challenges and learn the techniques used around the world from the best professionals in the field.

Final message



Daniela also mentions how grateful she is to have been able to take part in this event. Although not linked to the area in which she works, she feels that Altri has supported her participation and hopes that all the learning she now brings will be an asset to the company in the future.