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A 100% financial support for reforestation and recovery of forest areas affected by fires, pests, or natural disasters has been approved.
Ordinance No. 438/2026 has been published, establishing the implementation regime for Intervention F.2.6 - Investment in forest restoration, integrated into Axis F of the Rural Development Plan for Madeira (PEPAC R.A. Madeira).
This support aims to finance the recovery of forest areas where at least 20% of the productive capacity has been destroyed by fires, natural calamities, catastrophic events, pests, or diseases. Such destruction must be formally recognized by the competent public authorities.
As with the prevention intervention, the support is a 100% non-repayable grant, aimed at holders and managers of forest areas and producer groups.
Eligible expenses for forest restoration include:
Applications are submitted online, and operations must respect the preferred forest species for each sub-region of Madeira, as listed in an annex to the ordinance. Compliance with a set of Good Forestry Practices is also mandatory, including the use of adapted species, soil conservation, and prevention of erosion risks.
Beneficiaries commit to maintaining the activity and ownership of the intervened plots for a period of five years after the final payment.
The ordinance entered into force on September 9, 2026.
The Region has authorised the allocation across 2026 and 2027 of costs for three fencing lots along the Caminho dos Pretos firebreak. The total investment is €1,420,000, plus VAT.
The Regional Government Council has appointed veterinarian João Luís de Castro Teixeira as Animal Ombudsman. His appointment takes effect on 1 November 2026.
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation will occupy the Quinta Vila Passos through a sublease and receive the vessel 'GOLDMUND' to support marine protected areas.