The project, previously submitted by Vila Real City Council to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, will proceed with funding from the Environmental Fund, confirmed the minister, Maria da Graça Carvalho.
The announcement was made during a visit to the Alvão Natural Park, which recently endured a significant wildfire from August 2 to 13.
“It is an interesting project and will be very good for the city,” remarked the minister. She noted that the area for implementation, near the Tourinhas stream close to the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), is “very beautiful but requires some care and investment.”
The planned investment amounts to 3 million euros over three years.
The minister clarified that this is not a compensation but a necessity for Vila Real.
Mayor of Vila Real, Alexandre Favaios, expressed gratitude for the “good news,” explaining that the area in question is deteriorated. The project will involve the restoration of species, the installation of equipment for community use, and the creation of a living laboratory.
The municipality emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation and promotion of the area due to its environmental values and current degradation. It plans to establish an ecological park to support environmental education initiatives, particularly for the school community.
