Portugal ICNF initiates legal proceedings over swallow nest destruction

The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) has initiated 29 administrative proceedings between 2023 and 2025 for the illegal destruction, damage, or collection of swallow nests and eggs. Under Portuguese and European law, these species are protected, and nest destruction is prohibited both during the breeding season and after the birds have departed.

Geographically, the proceedings are distributed across several regions: nine in the Center, eight in Alentejo, seven in the Algarve, four in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, and one in the North. While the ICNF handles cases within protected areas, most proceedings occurring outside these zones are referred to Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR).

Concurrently, there has been an increase in formal requests for nest removal licenses. Between 2024 and 2025, the ICNF received 745 requests, approving 680. These licenses are only granted in exceptional circumstances related to public health, safety, or building rehabilitation. Fines for illegal nest destruction range from €250 to €3,740 for individuals and €3,990 to €44,890 for companies or condominiums.