In a statement, the SinFAP highlights that 26 years have passed since the last career review for nature wardens, emphasizing that these professionals can no longer wait.
“A career review is urgently needed so they can have fair and dignified conditions to perform their specialized and crucial roles, ensuring that we, as a community, can have a better future and enjoy a truly preserved and protected nature,” the note states.
The Union recalls that in the aftermath of the fires that affected mainland Portugal, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, visited some areas, ensuring her intention to restore the affected zones, review the management model of protected areas, and deploy “more technicians on the ground.”
“If it is indeed the Ministry of Environment and Energy’s desire to enhance field presence, the SinFAP is convinced that Nature Wardens must inevitably be part of this process and demands a significant reinforcement of the National Corps of Nature Wardens,” the Union further highlighted.
On August 19, SinFAP demanded that, exceptionally, the overtime work of these professionals be paid at 100%, without affecting the established monthly limit.
“In the current operations theater, thousands of professionals have been engaged, uninterruptedly, in combat and support for populations,” SinFAP emphasizes, asserting that these professionals “have demonstrated exemplary dedication” in firefighting efforts.
According to the union, involved parties include operational assistants, technical assistants, senior technical assistants of the municipal civil protection services, as well as “operatives from the different forces involved in the firefighting,” “as well as those operating emergency telecommunications and ensuring inspection and security actions.”
The union states that such recognition would be “just” and “an unequivocal sign of appreciation for those who are on the front line daily, ensuring the safety and protection of the population.”
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Central regions, amid high temperatures that prompted the declaration of a state of alert since August 2.
The fires have resulted in four fatalities and several injuries, mostly minor, and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural, livestock operations, and forest areas.
