Sesimbra mayor calls for mandatory ICNF approval on tree felling

Sesimbra's mayor Francisco Jesus told parliament that felling trees in sensitive areas, such as Ramsar wetland sites, should require mandatory prior approval from Portugal's nature conservation institute (ICNF). He was speaking at a hearing on the felling of pine trees at Herdade do Cabeço da Flauta, near Lagoa de Albufeira, where roughly 2,000 tonnes of pines were cut on private land. He said the council had no licensing power over the operation and only learned of it through public disclosure, but stressed the case exposed legal gaps, since the site holds Ramsar status but not Special Conservation Area protection.