The operation took place in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in Faro district, with special focus on the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Nature Park.
This location is usually frequented by motor caravanners throughout the year, a situation that has led to complaints to the police and environmental authorities.
"Illegal or irregular camping and caravanning in protected areas can lead to an excessive and disorderly occupation of public spaces, coastal areas and classified areas by motor caravans and similar, with negative consequences on the landscape, environment, spatial planning and public health," reads the note.
GNR said it will continue to raise awareness among caravanners and campers to "adopt more responsible and environmentally friendly behaviours", especially in protected areas.
The operation was coordinated by the GNR Territorial Detachment of Portimão, with the support of the Faro Intervention Detachment, the Maritime Police and the Vila do Bispo fire brigade.
Low season camping? How many of these illegal campers had on board toilets and wash facilities. Surely a better use of Police resources could be found, like policing the atrocious driving habits of many on the roads? As usual, targeting the wrong ‘criminals’.
By Ian from Lisbon on 19 Nov 2021, 10:27
I live in the area that they did the operation and most of the people now camping wild are converted and have no toilet or washing facilities. They are the worst type of campers and have no respect for the Nature Reserve which is littered with toilet paper. The GNR are doing a great job and numbers are decreasing, keep up the good work.
By Duncan from Algarve on 19 Nov 2021, 12:51
Broken toilets and bidets, sofas, mattreses,and old domestic appliances,constitute 99% of the mess I see when out walking , the other 1% is the condoms and wet wipes left by men who lurk in the bushes . Walked by many wild camping places and can't say I've seen any rubbish about the place . So could so a survey be taken to actually accurately quantify the extent of the tipping and by whom ,as opposed to the wild accusations and draconian legislation,
PS I am a homeowner .
By John from Alentejo on 20 Nov 2021, 08:07
Maybe they could start by banning hunting altogether. Those hunters leave trash everywhere and often it is that trash that causes fires in summer. For example, empty bottles. It is easier to point the finger at those who camp (and demanding high fines) instead of implementing a more environmentally mentality.
By K from Algarve on 21 Nov 2021, 13:46
Some hunters, maybe, but the real problem lsy with fly tippers and the Portuguese habit of toileting wherever they need to! Not unusual to see cars stopped with men and women defecating by the road side and bags of rubbish thrown in to lay byes. Everyone bears some responsibility, not just one section of the community.
By Ian from Lisbon on 22 Nov 2021, 13:35
It is a better idea to have públic trash cans everywhere…im always searching for these…and awareness signs in nature…and à fine for littering…
By Monica from Algarve on 23 Nov 2021, 09:29