Army: Military will pave the way and watch forests to prevent fires
The Ministers of Defence, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, and Agriculture and the Sea, Asuncion Ridges, They presided over the signing of a protocol with the Army, in Aveiro, for the prevention of forest fires.
«Em 2014, have already been opened 250 kilometers of paths and firebreaks, and this year more will be opened, in a great and very positive effort by the Army», said the Minister, highlighting that «this branch of the Armed Forces is attentive and available to help in the defense of the territory».
Asuncion Ridges (photo of Lidador News file) he also added that «the primary firebreak network already covers 25% of what is planned and, with the collaboration of the Army, we will be able to be faster in carrying out these types of actions. This protocol will also be important to mobilize the remaining actors, whether municipal or private, to make their investments in this area».
“The new European funds can help, such as the implementation of investments contracted by the Rural Development Program (Proder), that rise to 67 million euros to defend the forest against fires», said the Minister.
The Minister stated that "the Army's involvement reflects a rationalization of resources, on relevant matters of national interest, which gives visibility to its missions of public interest».
Until November, three engineering units are opening more 350 kilometers of the primary steel network in the north and center of the country, while three artillery regiments and two infantry regiments will guard the forests, in total 1500 hours of surveillance in national forests. This project is valued at one million euros.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
