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Found 93 photos matching ″The Natural World″

Oak trees seen on an Alentejo's
Thousands of tons of cork plank's piles sit on the outdoors seasoning area at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Thousands of tons of cork plank's piles sit on the outdoors seasoning area at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Flasks filled with different granulated cork grades sit on a counter at the Amorim factory lab in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Contamination check liquids wait to be examined by the chromatographic test at the Amorim factory lab in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Female workers perform the final visual and tight quality control check on the produced cork stoppers at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
A pile of cork granulated tubes are prepared to entre the TwinTop cork stoppers production at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Granulated cork is glued, compressed in tubes and cut to produce the new Amorim cork stoppers type, TwinTop, at the factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Cork dust is burned inside an industrial oven that converts the heat to produce energy for a great part of the Amorim's factory energy needs in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Cork planks with the Shanghai destination ink marks, are prepared to be shipped to China, at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
A lab worker performs a quality control process on the champagne cork stopper's disks at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Cork stopper's disks sit inside flasks with an alcoholic liquid before they enter the quality control process at the Amorim factory lab in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Thousands of cork disks, to be used in the champagne cork stopper's production, are visually checked after they have been marked by an advanced automatic process at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Different grade cork planks sit on a palette before they enter the cork stoppers production unit at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Cork planks, stored on palettes according with their grades, wait to enter the cork stoppers production area at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
A worker cuts, cross-wide into traverse strips (
A worker checks an oak tree bark plank during the early steps of the cork stoppers production at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
A stainless steel palette loaded with oak tree bark planks exits the boiler during the first phase of the cork production at the Amorim factory in Coruche, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The factory has a daily production of over 4 million cork stoppers for several kinds os use. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desertification and forest fires due to a predicted decline in the cork stoppers market.
Two workers remove an oak tree bark from the tree on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put i
A worker, on a ladder, strips an oak tree on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in height
A pile of fresh stripped oak tree barks sit on the ground next to an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland)
A worker holds a ladder while his partner strips the upper trunks of an oak tree on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the siz
Stripped oak tree barks sit on the ground of a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in height
A detail view of fresh stripped oak tree bark that sits on a ground on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerl
A worker holds an axe while his partner strips the upper trunks of an oak tree in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size
A worker holds a ladder while his partner climbs to cut the upper trunks of an oak tree on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about
Oak tree barks sit on the ground, next to an oak tree, in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be
The silhouette of a worker, while he strips an oak tree with an axe, on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzer
The silhouette of a worker, while he strips an oak tree with an axe, on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzer
A worker holds a ladder while he moves to another oak to start one more tree stripping process in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the siz
A worker loads the stripped oak tree bark planks on to a truck in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in
A worker strips an oak tree, with an axe, during sunrise in a woodland Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be p
A worker strips an oak tree during sunrise in a woodland Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heighten
Two workers strip an oak tree during sunrise in a woodland Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in height
The silhouette of a worker, while he strips an oak tree with an axe, on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzer
Two workers start the stripping process of an oak tree during sunrise on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switze
The dawn sun rays hit the fresh stripped oak tree's trunks in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will
Two workers start the stripping process of an oak tree during sunrise on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switze
A harvest year mark painted on an oak tree trunk on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in h
An oak tree seen from an oak tree trunk in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened
A detail view of a fresh stripped oak tree trunk in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk
An oak tree bark detail, covered with moss, seen on an woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in
Oak trees seen from an oak tree trunk in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened r
A general view of an oak tree woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened risk of desert
Men, seen from inside of a bark, strip an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened ri
A worker cuts in half an oak tree bark plank on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heigh
A worker holds an integral stripped oak tree trunk bark in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heighten
A group of workers load the stripped oak tree bark planks on to a truck in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be
Two men, seen from inside of a bark, strip an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightene
A worker holds an axe while he climbs a ladder to strip de upper trunks of an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switz
A worker, with the help of an axe, strips the bark from an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put
A stripped oak tree plank sits on the ground on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heigh
A pile of Oak tree planks sit on truck on a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in heightened
Detail of the stripping cuts on an oak tree bark in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in h
Workers perform the bark stripping process in an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in height
A ladder sits on the ground next to a stripped oak tree bark in a woodland in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will
A detail view of an oak tree bark cut made during the stripping process in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be
Workers perform the bark stripping process in an oak tree in Ponte de Sor, Portugal on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The oak tree is usually cut by two men. The upper limbs are cut by a man, with the aid of a ladder, and the trunk is cut by the other man. At the end of each day, on average, each man cuts about twenty trees. The cork cutting, called stripping, is a very delicate handmade process, because to avoid harming the tree trunk, a precise force must be exercised to cut the bark. The Oak tree lives between 150 to 200 years and its harvest interval is of nine years. Each tree will have on average, during its life, sixteen harvests. The oak tree woodlands have also a special importance in the Iberian ecosystem, since over 40 bird species, like the Black Stork, Eurasian Black Vulture and the Spanish Imperial Eagle, depend on them. Sustained in the oak tree woodlands is also the Iberian Lynx, which has been considered the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian Lynx makes use of the oak tree woodlands for its survival needs. The worldwide growing search trend for environmental friendly products, the cork proven qualities and applicability has boosted, economically, this activity, offering about 15.000 jobs. In Portugal, the average production is about 190.000 tons (418,878,298 pounds) per year, which generates about 550 million euros and corresponds to 54% of the worldwide production. Being the world's largest producer, with 33% of the world's oak woddlands, Portugal has about 725.000 hectares (2,799.2406 square miles) of oak tree forests, being the second largest tree specie forested area in the country. A report issued by the World Wide Foundation (WWF), in London, UK, on May 15, 2006, alerts for the danger of a possible 3/4 loss of the Oak tree forests worldwide within ten years, threatening the economical and environmental crisis. WWF warns that up to two million hectares of cork oak forests (an area about the size of Switzerland) will be put in height
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.
Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Apr. 2, 2009 - Alentejo, Portugal - Aerial bucolic views of the portuguese southern region of Alentejo, its plains (Montados) and lakes. Traditionally very dry, this agricultural area produces cereals, olives, cork and other cultures that can adapt to temperatures above 45 degress Celcius (113F) during Summer. Golden colors during Summer contrast with the greens of the Spring cultures, rendering unusual patterns and views of its landscapes.