The Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) brought forestry specialists from across the country to Alcoutim last week, on 22 and 23 October, for the third National Meeting of Intermunicipal Forestry Technical Offices. The aim was to strengthen cooperation between organisations and thrash out strategies for forest management and, principally, the prevention of rural fires.
Held at the Espaço Guadiana and organised in partnership with Alcoutim Council, the event drew technicians and officials from rural communities and metropolitan areas nationwide. Its theme was “The value of national cooperation in Intermunicipal Forestry Technical Offices: from operationalising the SGIFR to capacity-building through networks”. For reference, the SGIFR is Portugal’s Integrated Rural Fire Management System.
One of the main topics on the docket was the Intermunicipal Controlled Burning Plan, with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) setting out the plan’s objectives and structure.
At the opening session, the mayor of Alcoutim, the regional director of the ICNF, and AGIF’s (Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management) regional coordinator all stressed the importance of joint work between councils. and of working as a network to protect Portugal’s countryside.
The meeting also saw the presentation of the Algarve Intermunicipal Combustible Management Plan (PIGCAlg) by a representative of the Forest Research Centre. Developed with the country's academic community, the plan was presented as a strategic tool for managing combustible forest materials across the Algarve.
The second day was given over to internal working sessions between the intermunicipal forestry technical offices, with the goal of tightening technical coordination and national cooperation in the active management of the land.
Source: Jornal do Algarve
Photo credit: Jornal do Algarve
