Alcoutim signs fire-prevention pact with 28 hunting and fishing groups

Alcoutim council, the Algarve Hunters' Federation and 28 hunting and fishing associations and clubs have formalised a protocol on rural fire prevention and habitat improvement. It was signed on 10 October at the Partridge Fair in Martim Longo. The partners will sow and maintain annual pastures in fuel-management strips and restore farm tracks and secondary roads. The federation will coordinate the technical work and represent the associations before the council. Cereal and legume plots are meant to break the continuity of vegetation and feed wildlife. Better access should also help surveillance and firefighting crews. Similar agreements already exist with Tavira, Castro Marim and São Brás de Alportel.