Dozens protest in Águeda against eucalyptus wildfire risk

Dozens of people gathered in Águeda, Aveiro district, to protest against wildfires and demand the removal of abandoned eucalyptus and pine plantations, which activists describe as a nationwide fire risk. Organised by Quercus with the Floresta do Futuro movement and a local association, the event highlighted community efforts to replant native species. Spokesperson João Camargo argued native forests burn slower and are easier to control, and warned that this year's lower fire activity was down to chance rather than reduced risk. Official data show 6,910 rural fires and 67,130 hectares burned in Portugal by end of August 2026.

This appeared in the Pulse of 20 September 2026 — Read that edition →