Major Leadership Change at ICNF: Joaquim Castelão Rodrigues Steps Down, Carlos Ludovico Takes Charge

Joaquim Castelão Rodrigues Steps Down

Joaquim Castelão Rodrigues will cease to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and the regional director of Nature Conservation and Forests in the Algarve starting next Monday, February 17.

New Appointment

According to Sul Informação, he will be succeeded by Carlos Ludovico, an agricultural engineer with a master's degree in the field. Ludovico previously served as an advisor to the Castro Marim Municipality, led by social democrat Francisco Amaral, who is also his uncle.

Career Background of Carlos Ludovico

Carlos Augusto Caimoto Amaral Ludovico joined the then Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries, where he became the division head. Recently, he moved to the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission, which absorbed the Regional Directorate.

Political Involvement

Having been the lead candidate for the PSD in the 2021 municipal elections for Alcoutim, Ludovico is currently a member of the opposition council. Although it was anticipated he would be the PSD candidate again for this municipality, his new role at ICNF likely complicates those plans.

Joaquim Castelão Rodrigues' Contributions

Joaquim Castelão Rodrigues, who has been in this role since May 21, 2019, expressed in a farewell email to Sul Informação his commitment to promoting the mission of the ICNF over the past five years, particularly in nature and forest conservation management, including rural fire management in the Algarve and Southwest Alentejo.

Upcoming Changes in ICNF

At 66 years old, Rodrigues has nearly 40 years of service and will transition to the CCDR Algarve while awaiting retirement. It has also been reported that the directors of ICNF in Lisbon, Vale do Tejo, and Centro will also be replaced, with only the North director remaining in position.

Government Restructuring

In Alentejo, the regional director was replaced last July, with José Godinho Calado, previously the pro-rector of the University of Évora, taking over from Olga Martins. These new appointments stem from a competition initiated by the previous government under António Costa.

Conclusion of the Transition

The official government order detailing all changes is expected to be published in the Diário da República on February 17.