The transition of 20 out of 25 Protected Area Management Plans to Special Programs, ongoing since 2023, remains in the preliminary proposal phase, mere months before the deadline. The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) confirmed that these transitions, managed by two external companies, are currently in Phase II, involving the preliminary proposals of the Special Program.
Awarded in October 2023 to two firms, the transition commenced with identifying the current situation. As per a July 2023 tender, the project’s development spans five phases within a 24-month execution timeframe.
The ICNF elaborated last week that in June, Consultative Commission meetings regarding the Special Programs for the Berlengas Natural Reserve, São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve, Paul de Arzila Natural Reserve, Tejo Natural Reserve, and Serra do Açor Protected Landscape were held for assessment. These five processes have now progressed to Phase III.
Further meetings for the Special Programs of other reserves and parks, including the Malcata Mountain Range Natural Reserve and Alvão Natural Park, are scheduled for September and October. All remaining processes will undergo Consultative Commission reviews by 2025.
The Special Program for the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, excluded from the July 2023 tender due to the 2022 wildfires, is under development by an external entity, currently in Phase I. Unlike the others, this involves program creation rather than reconduction.
Exclusion was necessitated by the significant impact on conservation and biodiversity caused by the August 2022 wildfire in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, altering the foundational management model.
Besides the Special Program for Serra da Estrela, programs for Peneda-Gerês National Park and several natural parks remained outside the contract due to advanced stages of development, managed by the ICNF. Of these, the Special Program for the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park has been completed and published in October 2023. The others are still unfinished, with only one pending approval and publication.
The Protected Area Management Plans define the conservation strategy for 51 areas within the National Protected Areas Network, including one national park, 13 natural parks, nine natural reserves, two protected landscapes, and seven natural monuments, with 25 currently having active plans.
