The initiative, which aims to reduce the risk of forest fires, promote the conservation of ecosystems and boost sustainable socioeconomic development in the region, has been officially approved by the government, with an investment of close to 2.4 million euros.
The Integrated Landscape Management Operation – Monchique Pilot Area (OIGP-APM), with an area of 1217.90 hectares, is the result of an application submitted by the Monchique Local Development Association – Corredor Verde (AMCV), in partnership with the Monchique Municipal Council (CMM), with the technical support of the company Geo21 – Territorial Development Consultants.
The execution of the OIGP-APM will be managed and operationalized by AMCV, involving owners and local representatives.
The project foresees a maximum investment amount of 2.4 million euros, that will be 100% financed. This investment will be complemented by a maximum annual support of 137,879 euros over 20 years, to help maintain the investments.
For the local authority, this operation comes as a response to an "urgent need" to mitigate the risks associated with forest fires that have devastated the mountains and municipality of Monchique in recent years.
The project foresees the creation of fuel management strips in areas surrounding the road network and population clusters, contributing to greater resilience of the area in the face of future extreme events.
Furthermore, the OIGP-APM includes an important component of promoting socioeconomic development, by stimulating the creation of economic opportunities associated with nature tourism, agriculture focused on indigenous products and forestry activities, in an incentive for the balanced and sustainable growth of the territory. The actions should be completed by November this year, according to the Municipality.
Source https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/ - photo by Monchique Câmara
