Pedrógão fire under resolution. Piodão still active

The environmental association Zero has warned of delays in the Forest Intervention Plan and, according to its assessment, almost half of the short-term measures are behind schedule.

According to the analysis carried out by Zero, and highlighting the "lack of public information" related to this matter, the environmental association indicated in a statement that, of the 62 short-term actions included in the Forest Intervention Plan presented in March of this year, "around 29 initiatives appear to be behind schedule."

If the calculations are made taking into account the total of individual targets established by the Government, of the more than 90 initiatives, "at least 42 appear to be behind schedule, representing around 46% of the total commitments for the current year," Zero added.

Among the delayed measures, Zero identified some priorities within the scope of the review of the legal regime for rural property, support and incentives, forest sappers and the evaluation of management instruments.

For the environmental association, it is essential that the Government explain on August 27, during the urgent debate that will take place in Parliament, the reason for these delays and its long-term vision for forests.

"The anticipated funding appears to be clearly insufficient to meet real needs, running the risk of turning a good intention into yet another incomplete exercise, with no concrete impact on the ground," the association added, further pointing out that "it is essential to carry out a rigorous assessment of the necessary investment costs."