VULNERABILITY OF THE FORESTS

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 fire ighting teams. This comes at a time when landowners by law must clear all low-lying vegetation that could be a fire hazard. This must be done by the last day of May. It has been extended in some areas from 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 totally 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 now has 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 risks of wildfires and supporting fire fighter.

“Defending our woodlands against fire is one of the company’s main priorities. This is clearly demonstrated in a range of projects, which already represent 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 enforce 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 Nina event that typically has a cooling effect.

 

Just a last word, especially for visitors You must be extremely careful with cigarette butts, and never have any barbecues or other reasons for lighting a fire in other than the safest places.

 

Written by Len Port

Edited by Catriona Anderson