Youth volunteer programs promote forest protection in Portugal

Youth volunteer programs focused on nature and forest protection are active across different Portuguese municipalities throughout August.

In Mora, the Nature and Forest Youth Volunteering Program is entering its second phase. Supported by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) and the Municipality of Mora, the initiative involves young participants in environmental protection and rural fire prevention awareness. The program receives collaboration from the Mora Volunteer Firefighters and the GNR – SEPNA to promote responsible environmental behavior and territory defense.

In Covilhã, the “Raízes do Amanhã” (Roots of Tomorrow) project is working to recover burned areas and preserve forest spaces until August 31. This initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Covilhã with IPDJ support, coordinates with several local parish councils. Activities include door-to-door fire prevention awareness for thousands of residents, cleaning critical brush, removing invasive species, and recovering burned areas. The project also includes cleaning pedestrian paths and constructing wildlife shelters across seven parishes.