The Association for Cooperation among Baldios of the District of Coimbra (COBALCO) has reported initial data indicating that 5,000 hectares have been burned, wholly or partially, in the municipalities of Oliveira do Hospital, Arganil, Lousã, Pampilhosa da Serra (Coimbra), and Seia (Guarda). These figures are still preliminary, insufficient for a final assessment.
The association, led by Isménio Oliveira, highlighted that the Centro region, especially the Coimbra district, holds significant areas of communal lands.
“Thousands of hectares are managed by local populations, which are extremely important for those living in the interior,” he emphasized.
The communal lands are described as a valuable asset within the national forestry sector, an essential area for silvicultural activities. The organization stressed the need for government action to support local communities in restoring these natural spaces.
COBALCO plans to send a formal appeal to the Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Environment and Energy, urging immediate measures. This includes establishing support mechanisms for restoring damaged machinery and infrastructure in communal areas.
The association also seeks financial support for recovering forest areas affected by fires, aiming to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability through the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy.
Furthermore, COBALCO demands the revitalization and reactivation of the National Commission for the Valorization of Community Lands, established in 2008. The commission’s mission would be to develop a national program for the recovery of communal lands.
The list of demands also covers the reactivation of the “Safe Village, Safe People” program and the establishment of public initiative parks to handle ‘salvaged’ materials from fires, such as burned or singed timber, ensuring its sale at viable prices for small and medium landowners and communal lands.
COBALCO also advocates extending the Integrated Landscape Management Areas to the managers of communal lands to enable intervention in fire prevention and reforestation of burned areas.
