Portugal has delivered to the European Commission its National Nature Restoration Plan, a document with 386 measures covering terrestrial, coastal, marine, freshwater, urban areas, rivers, floodplains, and agricultural and forest systems. The plan, coordinated by ICNF with the participation of the Autonomous Regions, more than 200 researchers and a public consultation that received 184 contributions, aims to reverse ecosystem degradation and recover habitats and species, including pollinators. The Commission will have six months to analyze the proposal, followed by another semester for Portugal to incorporate observations and present the final version, with conclusion expected by August 2027. Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho argued that restoration must be a "national movement" involving the State, municipalities, autonomous regions, science, businesses and civil society. The real challenge will be financing — Portugal advocates for a European Nature Restoration Fund and admits resorting to nature credit markets and private investment — and the capacity to implement measures on the ground, in vulnerable territories such as Serra da Estrela, Gerês or the Guadiana Valley, confronted with fires, drought, urban pressure and climate change.
Jornal Económico29/08/26, 12:12
