Territory Infrastructures and Forest Fires Prevention and Protection

The purpose of the Project is the development of fire prevention techniques that are widely adopted by landowners and the forest associations, with the overall objective of significantly reducing the frequency of devastating wildfires in Portugal. Reference is made to the application, dated 9 May 2006 and additional information provided by the Focal Point on 20 November 2006, 01 March 2007 and 30 April 2007. The completed Project shall include the following activities and results: 1. Planning and detailed design of the project in all sub-areas (work teams established; consultation with all stakeholders; detailed implementation plans covering intervention zones of Cordilheira Central and Montanhas Ocidentais). 2. Implementation of physical on-site works and piloting (modification of vegetation; introduction of fuel break and fuel patch networks; defence water ponds networks; development of new and more efficient technology/technical solutions). 3. Capacity building of forest technicians in new techniques and technologies (training of forest technicians by experts from France, Spain and the United States of America; preparation of scientific papers). 4. Project management and awareness raising. The Project Promoter is the Portuguese Forest Service - DGRF (Direcção-Geral dos Recursos Florestais).