In 2017, wildfires in Portugal burned about 560,000 hectares (1.4 million acres) of forest, representing 60 percent of Europe's forest fire total, for a country that makes up just 2 percent of the continent's landmass. Put into perspective, the area represents 52 times the area of Lisbon. The fires were the deadliest in the country's history, claiming more than 100 lives, and that of thousands of animals.
The forest fires destroyed more than 165 homes in the areas of Castanheira de Pera, Pedrogao Grande and Figueira dos Vinhos. The amount of land burnt is the highest ever in Portugal's history. A person/family facing a catastrophic situation begins to live in a world that destabilizes their emotional and/or psychic balance. Much of the local livelihood, and economy came to a standstill as a result of the disaster.
The project will result in 20 homes being built/refurbished, together with shelters for animals. It is necessary that all the people who were supported during the phase of "coming back to normality" are monitored and followed up regularly after the intervention of the JAC. The trauma suffered is great.
Inject capital into the local economy by hiring local contractors, suppliers and services. Ensure transparency in the use of emergency funds and ensure that they have the greatest possible impact on the affected population. It is important that the people and the communities come back to "normal" as soon as possible.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
