en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Portuguese government has completed the designation procedure for the Tagus Estuary Special Conservation Zone (ZEC), establishing the conservation objectives and management measures for this area through a decree. This protected area is part of the European ecological network "Natura 2000."
The decree, published in the Diário da República, aims to maintain or restore natural and semi-natural habitat types and ensure that wild fauna and flora populations are in a favorable conservation status. Estuarine habitats are listed as priority conservation targets, covering estuary, beach, and salt marsh areas; the decree also requires improving the conservation status of coastal habitats such as lagoons, dunes, and vegetation. Freshwater wetlands and animals, including migratory birds and species associated with estuarine environments, are also covered by the protection, with the aim of halting the declining trends observed in certain species populations.
In terms of territorial planning, the decree stipulates that municipalities covered by the ZEC and the Tagus Estuary Special Protection Area (ZPE) must incorporate this classification into their territorial plans and ensure that relevant rules are consistent with the established conservation objectives. Specific measures include prohibiting new construction in rural land, with exceptions for nature conservation infrastructure, agricultural and forestry activities, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, or port activities.
Activities prohibited within the ZEC include the introduction of invasive alien species and the discharge of improperly treated wastewater.
The decree comes at a time when Portugal is in the process of completing 61 management plans for special conservation zones. These plans are the instruments for implementing conservation objectives at the European level on the ground. In March this year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) sentenced Portugal to pay a fine of €10 million for violating the Habitats Directive; the ruling also stipulates a daily penalty of €41,250 until the judgment is fully implemented, with the amount subject to reduction based on Portugal's progress.
Portugal has recently accelerated this process. The designation procedure for the Fernão Ferro/Albufeira Lagoon Special Conservation Zone in the municipality of Sesimbra had previously been completed. As of May, 56 of the 61 management plans for special conservation zones had been completed.
