Portugal's Forest Secretary launches Active Forest program and monitors post‑storm recovery

Secretary of State for Forests Rui Ladeira visited the municipalities of Ferreira do Zêzere and Tomar to assess recovery work after storm Kristin and to review ongoing forest‑management projects. In Ferreira do Zêzere he met Mayor Bruno Gomes, municipal officials and ICNF representatives to discuss clearing of woody debris, restoration of forest‑road access and measures to reduce fire risk, noting difficulties in hiring specialized crews. In Tomar he reviewed the Integrated Landscape Management operation, explored cooperation on the Seven Mountains National Forest and pledged a future visit to the site.

Ladeira also announced that the "Floresta Ativa" (Active Forest) programme will be relaunched in the coming days with a €4 million budget. The scheme offers €650 per hectare to owners of roughly 6,300 ha who submit georeferenced photos of their forest parcels through the ICNF platform, aiming to support cleaning, sustainable management and fire‑prevention, including for eucalypt stands. He highlighted the programme’s simplified, fast‑track application process and plans for advance payments to eligible projects.