Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has emphasized the necessity for the state, through local authorities, to take over the management of private forest areas when their owners prove incapable of implementing preventive measures to stop fires. This statement came during his participation in the funeral of the third victim of the ongoing wildfire wave in Mirandela, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture. He stressed that this is a public and national mission, and it is the state's duty to substitute private owners who are unable to manage their properties.

Speaking to journalists, de Sousa stated, "It is a public mission, a national mission, for the state, read the municipalities, which are closer, to substitute for private individuals who are unable to." He also pointed to the broader context of laws that are made but not always complied with, including the law that provides for the removal of identified arsonists, who have served their sentences, from forest areas. However, he sought to draw a positive lesson from these examples for the future, emphasizing that "one learns from what is done as law and then not applied. Every time a situation like these occurs, it is time to improve what actually does not work, because there are things that do not work, despite being provided for by law."

According to the President, the issue of fires loses its media prominence during the "low" seasons, as it ceases to be a national topic during the long intervals between fire seasons. He called for broad national sensitization, comparing the ease with which significant investments are made in urban infrastructure to the urgent need to invest similar amounts in fire prevention. Regarding the restructuring of civil protection, the President did not commit to the idea of returning to a district-based structure but emphasized that "all entities involved in this area should reflect" after the fire season.

He added that "the government has already opened the way for measures to be taken" and that "there must be a societal agreement for a long-term plan." He showed agreement with the government's idea of approving a plan for the reorganization of forests over 25 years (2025-2050) that requires "an agreement between parties" because "no government lasts 25 years."

This plan, according to de Sousa, should provide for "reinforced means" for combating fires but even more for prevention, because "prevention is better than having to combat."

Regional Perspective

The Portuguese President's call for state intervention in private forest management to prevent fires highlights the state's responsibility in protecting private property when owners fail. This offers a unique perspective on Portugal's forest management and land policy, emphasizing an increased role for the state in environmental protection.