The PRPNSE, established by the government in February 2024 with a budget of 155 million euros, aims to foster economic and social development in the region impacted by the 2022 summer wildfires, yet remains unimplemented.
Luís Tadeu, president of the Associação de Municípios do Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, expressed that despite meetings with various government members and the CCDRC, further discussions are anticipated. Tadeu confirmed that the timelines, values, and projects initially outlined are significantly overdue, prompting municipalities to propose a reevaluation of the PRPNSE.
“At this stage, nothing has been formally submitted. We’ve proposed projects ready for development, but some might now be obsolete, requiring replacement with more urgent initiatives,” stated Tadeu. He awaits “positive developments” in the forthcoming meeting regarding the PRPNSE’s launch and funding.
“Clarification is essential on whether the government will fund the national share or if municipalities must bear part of the community support,” he emphasized.
Reelected Manteigas mayor, Flávio Massano, lamented the lack of funds for the Revitalization Plan, deeming it “an empty promise.” He noted the initial 155 million euros and identified funding sources are nonexistent, as successive governments have struggled to secure the amount with European frameworks reportedly exhausted.
Massano highlighted a three-year impasse post-2022 fires, with minimal action except for pre-fire approved endeavors. “For 2025’s State Budget, we earmarked 1.5 million euros for Serra da Estrela, submitting investment proposals to deplete this sum within the year, but await a response,” he criticized.
Massano lamented the inaction within one of the country’s largest protected areas, stating, “We have numerous essential projects stalled and no timeline for realization.”
Luciano Ribeiro, reelected in Seia, acknowledged “many deflated expectations,” particularly “citizen trust” in central government. He criticized regional neglect despite political claims to concern and observed lacking progress on straightforward initiatives.
Ribeiro assured continued municipal unity in demanding deserved central government support and expressed hope for parliamentary discourse to improve conditions, especially through elected deputies in the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts.
In Guarda, reelected Sérgio Costa revealed several ready projects, including the Estrada Verde, a touristic road connecting the city to the central massif of Serra da Estrela, developed with Celorico da Beira and Gouveia councils. “Municipalities have fulfilled their roles. It’s now up to the government to specify applicable applications or available funds. We can’t afford a three-to-four-year wait for promised support, risking financial strain,” Costa remarked.
