National Ecological Reserve (REN): can you build on it in Portugal?
Generally no: in the National Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Nacional, REN) subdivision, urbanisation, construction, extension, roads, earthworks and clearing are banned, except uses listed as compatible.
- Answer
- Only the uses and actions listed in the regime's Annex II can go ahead.
- Routes
- Each listed use is exempt, subject to prior communication, or subject to authorisation.
- Condition
- The use must not harm the functions of the REN area.
- Who decides
- The regional development commission (CCDR) handles the prior communication or authorisation.
- Public interest
- Actions of relevant public interest can be recognised by joint order of ministers.
- Overlap
- If water-use titles, classified areas or RAN also apply, the CCDR runs one services conference.
- Map
- The REN municipal maps are in the DGT geoportal.
- Legal basis
- Decreto-Lei 166/2008, articles 20 to 24, as amended by Decreto-Lei 124/2019
- Sources
- files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2008/08/16200/0586505884.pdf
files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2019/08/16400/0006000118.pdf
dgterritorio.gov.pt/atividades/ordenamento/sgt/srup - Checked
- 2026-11-05
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