In a statement to mark World Environment Day, which is celebrated on 5 June, the GNR recalls that last year, 6,798 criminal proceedings were initiated and 20,535 administrative offence reports were issued in environmental matters.

In this context, the SOS Environment and Territory Hotline received a total of 15,546 complaints during 2025.

Created in 2002, the SOS Environment and Territory Hotline is an official channel for environmental complaints in Portugal and operates 24 hours a day. It can be contacted by telephone at 808 200 520, by email at sepna@gnr.pt, or by email at https://www.gnr.pt/ambiente.aspx.

In parallel, the GNR (National Republican Guard) conducted 6,196 environmental awareness and information campaigns, involving 112,974 people.

“These results highlight the persistence of behaviours that compromise nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as the relevance of the work carried out by the Guard in defending the environment,” the statement said.

In the context of World Environment Day, the GNR reminds the public that “environmental protection is a shared responsibility and calls for the adoption of behaviours that contribute to the preservation of nature.”

According to the GNR, many “threats to the environment continue to occur, namely the degradation of natural habitats, pollution, rural fires, improper disposal of waste, and other practices harmful to natural resources and wildlife.”