Posted on June, 18 2017

Lisbon, 18 June 2017 – WWF expresses solidarity with the victims and their families and the firemen fighting the ongoing forest fire in Pedrogão Grande, Leiria area, in the center of Portugal. WWF is deeply saddened by the numerous human victims.

WWF calls on the Portuguese government to take urgent action to prevent forest fires and accelerate the process of forest reform that began last year. The focus of efforts should shift from combating forest fires as they arise to preventing them, through responsible long-term forest management. Responsible forest management is more effective and financially more efficient than financing the giant firefighting mechanisms that are employed every year. 

"We are sad and shocked by this unprecedented tragedy in terms of human victims. We strongly believe that good management practices should prevent forest fires and protect people's lives and livelihoods, "said Rui Barreira from WWF in Portugal.

"The tragedy we are living today in Portugal could happen tomorrow in any country of the Mediterranean region, as well as the world. WWF is calling all Mediterranean governments to engage in better fire prevention strategies this summer." added Paolo Lombardi, WWF Mediterranean Director.

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For more information, please contact: Anne Rémy, WWF Mediterranean Director of Communications
Mob. + 39 338 66 06 287 - e-mail: aremy@wwfmedpo.org
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