The suspension covers wood in logs, blocks, semi-blocks and planks and is justified by the need to protect the environment, guarantee reforestation and "create conditions to stimulate the growth and expansion of a strong, modern forest-based industry and competitive", according to a statement to which Lusa had access.
In the same session, a set of pecuniary and social incentives was also approved for civil servants and administrative agents who work in places with difficult access and without essential goods and services, in order to attract qualified staff to the local administration of the State.
Employees will be entitled to isolation, installation and rent allowances, as well as preference in the mobility of the spouse or de facto partner and access to housing and other benefits granted by the State.
The Council of Ministers also approved a Marine Space Planning Plan to "identify adequate management strategies".
In the oil and gas sector, the extension of the date of the first survey of the oil branches in the Begonia Development Area, in Block 17/06, until June 1, 2025, and the production period until June 1, 2045 was approved. "with a view to mitigating the natural decline in the country's oil production".
Amendments were also approved to the production sharing contract for the Block 5/06 concession area, entered into between the national concessionaire and the Empreiteiro Group of Block 5/06 to ensure the continuity of operations and the consequent increase in national oil production.
