The “Patrulha Baião” programme starts tomorrow, 30 July, mobilising young volunteers committed to preserving nature and defending the forest in the municipality of Baião. This project, which is part of the Youth Volunteering Programme for Nature and Forests, is aimed at citizens living in Portugal, aged between 14 and 30, promoting volunteering practices in favour of the environment.
For Filipe Fonseca, vice-president and councillor for Civil Protection of the Municipality of Baião, “this programme aims not only to defend the environment, but also to train young people in civics, instilling in them values of responsibility and commitment to nature. ‘Patrulha Baião’ is an opportunity for all young people who want to make a difference and actively contribute to a more sustainable future,” said the mayor.
The volunteers received essential training on how to act in the event of a fire or suspicious situations, as well as on rubbish collection and sensitising the local population. To support their work, each volunteer was given a complete kit, including an identification card with useful numbers and information leaflets to be distributed throughout the community.
The ‘Baião Patrol’ initiative will operate in three different shifts. During each shift, the volunteers will be organised into groups of two, positioned at the lookout points stipulated in the Municipal Operational Plan. This structure ensures effective and constant coverage of the territory, contributing to fire prevention and environmental protection.
The programme runs from July 30 to September 12, during which time the volunteers will play a crucial role in monitoring and preserving the forest and local ecosystems. In addition, the programme includes a monetary grant for the young participants, as a way of recognising and valuing their contribution.
Applications are still open for eligible candidates. Those interested can register via the website of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), in the area reserved for this purpose.
