Professionals
& Research
This is an independent, unofficial guide. We do not issue licences or permits and we do not manage access to the park. This page simply points professionals to the competent authorities.
Who to contact
Competent authorities
ICNF
Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests
The public body responsible for managing Peneda-Gerês National Park and for permits for research, filming, tour operators and events. It is the first point of contact for any professional need inside the park.
- icnf.pt
- +351 213 507 900
- [email protected]
- Av. da República, 16 · 1050-191 Lisbon
- Caldas do Gerês Visitor Centre: +351 253 390 110
Turismo de Portugal
National Tourism Authority
Manages the RNAAT (National Register of Tourist Activity Operators), which is mandatory for activity operators, and supports journalists and media in the field of tourism.
FCMP
Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation
Responsible for training and certifying mountain guides and for approving walking routes (PR, GR) in Portugal. The reference for operators offering technical activities — canyoning, climbing, abseiling or mountain traverses.
ANAC
National Civil Aviation Authority
To fly drones (UAS) in the park you must comply with the EU UAS regulation and ANAC rules — operator registration and pilot training — as well as obtaining ICNF authorisation. The airspace may be subject to further restrictions.
Municipal Councils
Municipalities covered by the park
The municipalities within the park have responsibilities for events, local licensing and community support. For events that cross roads or municipal spaces, coordination with the relevant council is required.
- Terras de Bouro — cm-terrasdebouro.pt
- Arcos de Valdevez — cmav.pt
- Ponte da Barca — cmpb.pt
- Montalegre — cm-montalegre.pt
- Melgaço — cm-melgaco.pt
GNR
National Republican Guard
Enforces the park's rules (including through SEPNA, its nature protection service) and supports safety at events. For events with participants on public roads, coordination with the GNR is mandatory.
- +351 253 390 450 (Terras de Bouro)
- SOS Environment and Territory line: 808 200 520
- 112 (emergency)
- gnr.pt
Inland water fishing
ICNF — Recreational and sport fishing licences
Fishing in the park's rivers and reservoirs requires an inland water fishing licence, issued through ICNF. Some areas and seasons have their own rules — always check before fishing.
CIBIO
Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources — University of Porto
A leading biodiversity research centre working on topics such as the Iberian wolf, endemic species and population genetics. A natural partner for collaborations and academic co-supervision.
- cibio.up.pt
- Vairão Campus, University of Porto
University of Minho
University of Minho — School of Sciences
The closest university to the park, with research in ecology, botany and the management of natural areas. A natural academic partner for master's and doctoral theses on the park.
Porto and North Tourism
Porto and Northern Portugal Regional Tourism Board
Together with Turismo de Portugal, it supports press trips, fam trips and media visits to the region. For journalists and content creators, it is the point of contact for logistics and editorial support.
