In a strategic move, adjustments have been made to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The latest provision from this program includes the distribution of brush cutters, with plans for tractors, bulldozers, and tracked machines to follow. Municipal Community Intermunicipalities (CIM) will be responsible for their maintenance and finding operators for these machines. “These remaining contests are ongoing,” stated José Manuel Fernandes.
The announcement was made during an official event at the aircraft center in Arcos de Valdevez, Viana do Castelo district, where the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) distributed 135 brush cutters to 27 teams of Forest Rangers across 10 municipalities in the district. This marks the first delivery in the initiative aimed at equipping the Forest Rangers.
Regarding preventative measures, the Minister of Agriculture and Sea highlighted the extensive pastoralism plan, which allocates 30 million euros from the Environmental Fund to reduce combustible materials while enhancing local economies by populating areas.
The minister further emphasized the importance of a legislative framework for forest property by 2026, calling for consensus in the parliament to streamline forestry legislation. “All of this is encompassed within the Forest Pact, which is already approved,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for controlled fire practices, revealing the government’s aim to more than double the area where this technique is applied. The target is to reach over 5,000 hectares, up from the 2,500 hectares recorded in 2025.
The Minister underscored the efficiency of controlled burns in maintaining forested areas, which prevents the accumulation of combustible materials that could fuel uncontrollable wildfires. He noted that this effort would require close coordination with the CIM.
He asserted, “It is absolutely essential that controlled burning planning is executed. Technically viable and environmentally necessary, it remains a priority.”
Speaking to journalists post-ceremony, José Manuel Fernandes affirmed the government’s commitment to valuing the tough work of the forest rangers to ensure fair and equitable compensation. He mentioned that previous government debts to ranger teams had been settled and acknowledged increased funding from 55,000 to 61,000 euros per ranger team.
The ceremony also noted the overall plan to distribute a total of 2,060 brush cutters. This venture is funded by the PRR and aims to enhance equipment for over 400 Forest Ranger teams, thereby improving their operational capacity in forest prevention efforts.
