“The Environmental Fund will finance 13 applications within the aid notice for the rehabilitation of wildlife recovery centers, part of the National Network of Wildlife Recovery Centers,” announced the Government in a statement.
This involves a public investment of 1.466 million euros, granted as non-repayable funds.
The support is intended for interventions in key structures for the hosting, recovery, and release of wild animals back to their natural habitat.
In addition to the improvement of physical infrastructures, this amount will allow for the purchase of medical and scientific equipment, reinforcement of feeding and veterinary care, as well as the modernization of monitoring systems.
All applications were approved, and the funding allocation was increased to meet the needs.
As detailed by the ministry, associations ALDEIA — CERVAS and ALDEIA — RIAS, as well as the Portuguese Society for Wildlife, received 135,000 euros each.
Meanwhile, Quercus — Crassa, CERAS, and CRASM were each granted 134,800 euros.
Subsequently, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro — CRAS received 133,800 euros, the Municipality of Lisbon — LxCRAS obtained 127,400 euros, the Municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia — Gaia Biological Park was allocated 119,000 euros, and the Nature Protection League — Alentejo Regional Delegation was awarded 90,200 euros.
Also benefited were the Portuguese Society for Wildlife — Quiaios Center — Terrestrial Fauna (69,200 euros), the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro — Quiaios Center – Marine and Aquatic Fauna (63,300 euros), and the Amigos Picudos — Association for the Protection of Hedgehogs (52,900 euros).
“We are investing in structures that protect biodiversity on the ground every day. These centers are the most direct representation of our commitment to the welfare of wild animals and nature conservation,” said the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, quoted in the same statement.
