Minister of Environment tours fire-damaged region within Douro Natural Park

Fire Ravages Three Portuguese Municipalities and the International Douro Natural Park

A devastating wildfire has swept through three Portuguese municipalities - Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Moncorvo, and Mogadouro - and the International Douro Natural Park, causing extensive damage to both natural and agricultural areas.

The blaze, which started on the 19th, has scorched over 12,000 hectares of land, with approximately 5,000 hectares of that destruction occurring within the International Douro Natural Park. This unfortunate event marks a significant increase in the total hectares burned nationwide this year, with 16,300 hectares in protected areas having been affected.

The Minister of the Environment has visited the affected areas to assess the damage and ensure immediate aid is provided for the replacement of agricultural productive potential. In addition, structural actions for nature restoration are being prepared to reduce future risks and protect the park's biodiversity.

Within the Minister's responsibility, measures are directed at protected areas as part of a recently published decree. These actions aim to rehabilitate the damaged ecosystems and safeguard the park's unique flora and fauna.

In a bid to create climate-resilient future forests, the relevant Minister for forestry and environmental forest matters in Bavaria, Germany, Michaela Kaniber, has initiated reconstruction measures. This includes increased funding and digital support for forest restoration programs within her jurisdiction.

Emergency interventions are currently underway to contain the fire and minimise further damage. The authorities are working tirelessly to control the blaze and restore the affected areas as quickly as possible.

As the situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the progress and recovery efforts in the affected municipalities and the International Douro Natural Park.