Prohibition of Harvesting Mosses

The plant species known as Leiva or Musgão (Sphagnum spp.) is in high demand during the Christmas season for its ornamental use.

However, it is essential to ensure the protection of this plant species, which plays crucial roles in hydrology and nature conservation.

Its cells function like a natural sponge, retaining up to 20 times its dry weight in water, which is then gradually released to aquifers. It controls soil erosion and regulates the flow of streams and springs. It also has the ability to “purify” water by retaining metals and toxic substances and has a bactericidal effect due to its acidic pH.

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces, during this Christmas season, the monitoring and inspection of areas where harvesting, collecting, cutting, selling, and deterioration or destruction of their habitats occur.

This practice constitutes a very serious environmental offense, under Article 4 of DL No. 38/2021 of May 31, concerning the protection of flora species under the Bern Convention and its application under paragraph 4 of Article 22 of Law 50/2006, of August 29, in its current wording.

Preserve the natural nativity scenes that are our nine islands.

Respect nature and the richness of our biodiversity.