Monchique, Portugal – The Portuguese government has officially greenlit the Integrated Landscape Management Operation – Pilot Area Monchique Green Corridor (OIGP-APM), a major undertaking aimed at bolstering wildfire resilience, restoring the local ecosystem, and fostering sustainable economic growth in the Algarve municipality of Monchique.

Published in the Diário da República on December 31, 2024, the project secures an investment of over €2.4 million, a significant step towards enhancing the region's environmental and socio-economic well-being.

"This initiative marks a crucial juncture in appreciating and safeguarding our territory," stated the Monchique municipal council in an official press release.

Encompassing 1,217.90 hectares within the municipality, the Green Corridor project is the culmination of a collaborative effort between the AMCV (Monchique Local Development Association – Green Corridor), the local council, and Geo21, a renowned environmental consultancy firm.

The project's core budget of €2,455,480.90 will be entirely funded through Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), with an annual maintenance allocation of €137,879.67 earmarked for the next two decades.

The Green Corridor initiative serves as a direct response to the devastating wildfires that have plagued Monchique for years. A key component of the project involves establishing fuel management zones – areas where flammable vegetation and materials are strategically cleared – around critical infrastructure and residential areas to enhance the region's resilience against extreme weather events.

Beyond addressing wildfire risks, the project prioritizes economic revitalization through the development of nature-based tourism, sustainable agricultural practices, and eco-friendly forestry initiatives. By fostering these sectors, the initiative aims to create new employment opportunities and stimulate balanced economic growth within the municipality.

Furthermore, the OIGP-APM emphasizes ecological conservation, focusing on the restoration of waterways and their surrounding habitats, biodiversity enhancement measures, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable practices across the region.

The project is now entering its implementation phase, with a targeted completion date of November 2025. The AMCV, as the managing entity, will actively engage with landowners and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and successful execution of the approved measures.