The regional director of the northern branch of ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) considered that the co-management model of the protected area, implemented almost three years ago and which also integrates the municipalities of Bragança and Vinhais along with various local entities and associations, was “a milestone.”
Sandra Sarmento also mentioned that during this period, about one million euros from the Environmental Fund were invested in the park. With the recent entry of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission into the co-management, they are seeking funding sources for projects included in the co-management plan.
“We have been working with the Commission to find funding sources (…) that are possible to support the actions we have planned. The plan involves a set of actions with a significant value, around 64.5 million euros,” said Sandra Sarmento.
Today, on the open day of Montesinho Natural Park (PNM), two new projects were presented in the village of Vilarinho – “Experience Montesinho,” a mobile application to assist in visiting the protected area, and “Montesinho for All,” which includes the creation of a support center for pedestrian routes, trails, or interpretive routes.
An interpretive center was also inaugurated in the village of Montesinho.
The PNM lost almost 500 hectares in a fire that broke out on August 10. According to data released by ICNF, 445,331 hectares burned, the vast majority, about 421, being scrubland.
When asked about requests made after the fire was extinguished, particularly by Paulo Xavier, mayor of Bragança and president of PNM’s co-management, regarding the need to review land management and the fire prevention plan in the area, Sandra Sarmento revealed that the process of renewing the PNM’s management plan is underway.
Regarding the old forest houses, currently unused and degraded, the regional director said that some will be recovered in already planned projects, while others are being evaluated for possible recovery and new functions. ICNF is also open to collaboration protocols with private entities.
On the possibility of PNM having a director again, Sandra Sarmento only commented that it is planned for some parks to have this position again, but at the moment, she cannot provide more information.
“The message [we want to leave] is that we have been focusing on collaborative, proximity management that involves people to find ways to support and help in the strategies being designed for the territory,” the ICNF leader concluded, emphasizing that the institution is always open to new projects that meet the expectations of the population and fit the “spirit of a protected area.”
The PNM was recognized on August 30, 1979. It covers about 75,000 hectares in the municipalities of Bragança and Vinhais, in Terra Fria Transmontana, and includes 92 villages.
