​The Mayor of Portimão – Portugal - Isilda Maria Prazeres Gomes was elected chair of the European Committee of the Regions' commission for Natural Resources (NAT) at the constitutive meeting on 5 October. Ms Gomes, is a member of the CoR European Socialists Group and will chair NAT's work over the forthcoming two and half years, until the end of CoR current five-year mandate. ​

The NAT commission of the European Committee of the Regions brings together over 100 mayors, councillors and regional presidents to ensure that EU's legislation responds to the needs of local communities in key policy areas such as rural development, public health, agriculture and food, forestry, maritime policy – blue economy and fisheries, civil protection, tourism and consumer protection. The Rural Agenda for Europe and public health are at the core of the CoR political priority "Building resilient communities".

Isilda Maria Prazeres Gomes (PT/PES) commented on her election saying: "I am proud and honoured for being elected Chair of the NAT commission today. The numerous crises we are currently facing - from the wildfires during the summer to the war in Ukraine – clearly show that Europe needs to become more resilient and sustainable. The NAT commission can play a decisive role when it comes to addressing major challenges of the future: rural development, agriculture and resilient food systems, health and civil protection, as well as sustainable tourism. These are major areas in which regions and cities can make a difference to build a better and more inclusive Europe."

Congratulating the new Chair, CoR President Vasco Alves Cordeiro said: "Every day that passes makes our action on strengthening our cities and regions's preparadness to crises more and more urgent. It is a great news for our institution and all local and regional authorities that Isilda Gomes is elected Chair of the European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Natural Resources. Counting on her solid experience and commitment, we will be able to play a stronger role on strategic dossiers like sustainable agriculture, rural agenda, sustainable food, but also the European Health Union and sustainable tourism."

Isilda Maria Prazeres Gomes has been a CoR member since 2020.