REN Honored for Innovative Fire Prevention Project Using Garrano Horses in Portugal

REN Honored for Innovative Fire Prevention Project Using Garrano Horses in Portugal

(IN BRIEF) REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais has received recognition from the Portuguese Corporate Ethics Association (APEE) for its unique fire prevention project in Serra da Cabreira, employing Garrano horses. The project, acknowledged with both the AGIR Award and an honorable mention, stands out for its innovative approach to preventing wildfires while simultaneously protecting an endangered species and benefiting local communities in Vieira do Minho. The use of 263 mares and 28 stallions in Cabreira Mountain helps manage vegetation, significantly reducing the risk of wildfires. The initiative, conducted in partnership with various local stakeholders, demonstrates REN’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The APEE awards celebrate organizations’ implementation of ethical policies and models of good governance that contribute to sustainable development and create value for stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.

(PRESS RELEASE) LISBON, 6-Nov-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais was awarded by the Portuguese Corporate Ethics Association (APEE) for its fire prevention project in Serra da Cabreira, using Garrano horses.

It was also recognized with the AGIR Award, which REN annually awards to initiatives addressing social issues. The 9th Edition of the Recognition of Practices in Social Responsibility and Sustainability by APEE recognised the use of Garrano horses in fighting wildfires in the Social Responsibility category, under “Environment: Impact Reduction”.

The AGIR Award received an honourable mention in the same category, under “Community”. The APEE recognised the project’s innovative approach, which involves the use of Garrano horses in wildfire prevention, bringing REN and local stakeholders together to create shared value.

This initiative helps prevent rural fires in the region while contributing to the conservation of an endangered species and benefiting the communities of Vieira do Minho. The 263 mares and 28 stallions living in Cabreira Mountain contribute to daily vegetation management by clearing approximately seven thousand kilograms, significantly reducing the risk of wildfires.

The project involved a partnership, established through a protocol with the municipality of Vieira do Minho, the Associação de Criadores de Equinos da Raça Garrana (the Garrano Horse Breeders Association), and the Associação Para o Ordenamento da Serra da Cabreira (the Cabreira Mountain Territorial Planning Association).

The honourable mention received for the AGIR Award recognised the initiative’s ability to foster innovative solutions for social issues. The AGIR Award is intended for associations, companies, and non-profit organisations, having already supported 27 projects over its nine editions.

The 10th edition, dedicated to the “Promotion of sustainable development”, reflects REN’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment, and combat climate change. The APEE awards recognise the implementation of policies and models of good governance in organisations from both the public and private sectors. These policies and models create value for stakeholders and actively contribute to sustainable development.

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SOURCE: REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais