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State reform discussion prompts Isaltino Morais to draw attention to fires as an illustrative example

Portugal grapples with an intense wildfire crisis, with more than 216,000 hectares torched in this year. Ex-ministers Isaltino Morais and Eduardo Cabrita attribute this to past inadequacies in infrastructure and propose remedies like a thorough territorial mapping and persistent efforts to...

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State reform discussion exemplified by the recent wildfires, according to Isaltino Morais
State reform discussion exemplified by the recent wildfires, according to Isaltino Morais

State reform discussion prompts Isaltino Morais to draw attention to fires as an illustrative example

Former Portuguese Ministers Advocate for Wildfire Prevention Measures

In the face of Portugal's ongoing wildfire crisis, former Ministers Isaltino Morais and Eduardo Cabrita have called for a series of preventative measures to combat the issue. Their recommendations, while not directly quoted, align with a consensus view among experts and policymakers in Portugal.

The current wildfire situation in Portugal is critical, with over 216,000 hectares burned this year—a figure 17 times higher than last year's. This alarming trend has prompted calls for action from various quarters, including the former Minister of Territorial Planning, Isaltino Morais, who believes that implementing a national territory cadastre could make firefighting more effective.

Morais is not alone in his belief. The former Minister of Home Affairs, Eduardo Cabrita, recalls the tragedy of 2017 and attributes the current scenario to past actions or inactions. Both ministers agree that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue, focusing on forest management, community involvement, and investments in fire prevention infrastructure.

One such measure is the revival and implementation of forest intervention plans. These plans encompass long-term initiatives to manage forests sustainably, reduce fuel loads, and support communities affected by fires. Portugal's government is currently reviving the 2025-2050 Forest Intervention Plan, which specifies both short- and medium-term measures to combat wildfire causes.

Another crucial aspect is enhancing fire prevention infrastructure and operational capacity. This includes strengthening firefighting forces, investing in firefighting technologies, and maintaining a high state of alert during fire seasons to enable rapid response.

Ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions also play a significant role. Experts advocate replacing fire-prone exotic species with native, fire-resilient species like cork oak and holm oak, which help create natural firebreaks and reduce wildfire risk.

Community involvement and awareness are equally important. Building local resilience through informed participation and permanent support mechanisms for those affected by major fires is crucial.

Lastly, prohibiting risky activities during high fire danger periods is essential. This includes banning controlled burns, fireworks, and other activities that could spark new fires during national alert periods.

While the available materials do not provide direct quotations from Isaltino Morais and Eduardo Cabrita, the above measures represent the consensus view among former ministers and experts engaged in Portugal’s wildfire policy framework. If more specific quotes or a detailed position from these former ministers are required, additional targeted searches might be necessary.

In conclusion, the ongoing wildfire crisis in Portugal underscores the need for preventative measures. The recommendations of former Ministers Isaltino Morais and Eduardo Cabrita, while not directly quoted, align with a broader consensus among experts and policymakers. By implementing these measures, Portugal can hope to mitigate the damage caused by wildfires in the future.

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