“Patrulha Baião”, a youth volunteer programme with environmental and civic impact, officially kicked off on 30 June at a large meeting attended by the Vice-Mayor of Baião and Councillor responsible for Civil Protection, Filipe Fonseca, representatives of the GNR, the municipality’s fire brigades, municipal technicians and the first group of volunteers, who have been in the field since 1 July.
This initiative, promoted by the Baião Municipal Council, is part of the Youth Volunteering Programme for Nature and Forests, run by the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ), and is aimed at young people aged between 14 and 30 who are resident in Portugal.
More than just a forest surveillance project, the ‘Baião Patrol’ is an opportunity for civic training and active involvement of young people in protecting the territory.
Over several weeks, volunteers will carry out awareness-raising activities for forest protection and rural fire prevention, waste collection and surveillance at strategic points and routes, contributing to the safety and sustainability of the municipality.
The Deputy Mayor of Baião and Councillor for Civil Protection, Filipe Fonseca, highlighted the importance of the programme for the present and future of the municipality, since “Patrulha Baião is an asset for the defence of our forest and the environment.
It is also a school of citizenship, where young people get involved, gain environmental awareness and take an active role in building a more sustainable territory.
Their participation makes a difference, not only because of the work they do on the ground, but also because of the example they set for the community.
With this programme, we are protecting the present and laying the foundations for a better future for everyone. I thank everyone who has joined this cause.”
EARLIER, WITH MORE VOLUNTEERS AND NEW PERSPECTIVES
One of the major new features of this edition is the early start of the programme, thanks to the proactivity of the local authority. Contrary to the usual calendar set by the IPDJ, which provided for a later start, the Municipality of Baião opted to move forward at the beginning of July, ensuring a more effective response to the critical period of fire risk. This decision reflects the local authority’s commitment to protecting the territory and valuing youth volunteering.
Another aspect to highlight is the significant increase in the number of volunteers. The high demand in previous editions led the municipality to strengthen its response capacity, with more young people involved and a more robust logistical structure.
Each volunteer received specific training and a support kit, including information materials and identification equipment, ensuring adequate conditions for the performance of their duties.
The programme will run until at least 12 September, with volunteers organised into shifts and distributed across surveillance points and routes defined in the Municipal Operational Plan. Their presence on the ground will be essential for the early detection of risk situations, but also for promoting responsible behaviour among the population.
With this new edition of ‘Patrulha Baião’, the Municipality reaffirms its commitment to an active, conscious and committed youth for the common good.
