By Len Port

The Government Environment Fund has just announced it will invest another €21.9 million in protecting Portugal’s forests, which are so vulnerable to wildfires. This is just part of the €6.4 billion it has vowed to invest by 2050.

The largest amount from the new fund—more than €15 million—will be spent on supporting firefighting teams. This comes at a time when landowners must clear all low-lying vegetation that could be a fire hazard by the last day of May. It has been extended in some areas since the last day of April.

It applies to land within 50 metres of homes and within 100 metres of villages. Those unable to clear their land can apply for help at their own cost from their local council. They need to be quick, because those who do not go by the rules could receive fines of up to. €10,000 for individuals and €120,000 for businesses.

Other than farmed, particularly in the Algarve, has been covered with beautiful flowers and other plants as a result of the plentiful rains during winter and spring, but sadly, for country dwellers, butterflies and bees, much has now been wiped out because of the land clearance obligation.

Proportionally, Portugal has a larger area of woodland than any other country in the European Union. It occupies 35% of the country. By implementing its 2050 plan, the government, although still in a fragile mode, seeks to not only prevent future wildfire destruction, but also recover burnt land. Greater incentives to manage forests and increase the productivity of the forestry sector are envisaged.

The Navigator Company in Portugal, which concentrates on pulp and paper production, has forestry holdings in which it focuses on mitigating the risks of wildfires and supporting firefighters.

Defending woodlands against fire is one of the company’s main priorities. This is demonstrated in a range of projects, which already represent an investment in access of three million euros a year.

An unprecedentedly hot summer is forecast due to climate change. High spring temperatures are already clearly indicating the likelihood of summer extremes that will increase the danger of wildfires.

The Copernicus Climate Service expects this to be one of the three hottest summers on record globally. This is despite the presence of a La Niña event that typically has a cooling effect.

With forecasts indicating an exceptionally hot summer ahead, these measures are crucial in safeguarding Portugal’s forests and communities from the escalating threats posed by climate change.

Final Note: Visitors are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution with cigarette butts and to avoid barbecues or lighting fires except in designated safe areas. Absentee landowners residing abroad should be aware that failure to properly maintain and clear their land can result in significant fines.
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Len Port, born in Northern Ireland, worked as a news reporter and correspondent, mainly in Hong Kong and South Africa, before moving to Portugal many years ago.