The PS-Madeira has defended the use of controlled grazing as a complementary measure for land use planning and fire risk reduction in the region.
During the traditional Shearing Festival held last Sunday in Terreiros, the President of the Madeiran socialists announced that the party will submit a proposal to the Legislative Assembly to regulate grazing. This initiative aims to align the practice with the recently approved Regional System for Integrated Management of Rural Fires.
On the occasion, Célia Pessegueiro stated that the Regional Government has failed to address the accumulation of vegetation in Madeira’s mountains. She argued that, under the new fire management system, interventions should not rely solely on heavy machinery. Instead, she proposed utilizing livestock for vegetation management to create clearings that assist civil protection efforts and limit the spread of fires.
In this context, the socialist leader urged the Executive to consult those working on the ground. “Talk to the people who know, talk to the shepherds, the cattle owners, and those who have spent years in the mountains,” she said. “They are discouraged by the use of heavy machinery, which only encourages the growth of gorse and broom every time it disturbs the soil.”
She warned that without continuous maintenance, areas cleared of invasive species are quickly reclaimed by vegetation. “The only way to control it is to have cattle there; they act as civil protection agents,” she emphasised, noting that the PS will propose an amendment to the Silvopastoral Regime.
Pessegueiro added that directed grazing is vital for managing vegetation both in the mountains and in peri-urban areas where forests border residential zones. She noted that despite the creation of firebreaks, the Regional Government has failed to ensure the introduction of livestock or the regular maintenance of these spaces.
After listening to concerns from shepherds regarding government policies, the socialist leader encouraged them to present their demands through their associations. “Change only happens when officials feel the pressure,” she said, advocating for breeders to present their concerns directly to the authorities to drive urgent, necessary change in the region.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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