The Navy’s plans for a reactivated training base on the Ria Formosa island of Culatra have been toned down since the original announcement.
Firstly, Admiral Silva Ribeiro announced last week that Naval armed forces will be returning to the abandoned military base, next to the sleepy settlement of Hangares, with a permanent presence to undertake complex and sophisticated training operations.
High-speed boats used by the marines’ special forces will be used in training manoeuvres and the deactivation of explosives, the training of divers and other covert operations will be carried out in an ongoing, full-on plan which involves rebuilding accommodation and using the base to the full. The Admiral said the military base will be transformed into “one like no other in the country.”
Within a few days, environmental organisation Almargem issued its opinion that as the area is a natural park and a Natura2000 zone, military training exercises had no place on an island where wildlife and environment were meant to be under the highest protection of the State.
Bomb disposal activities were banned in 1995 but, faced with the reactivation of the base for naval use, Almargem was concerned that "after 22 years, the bombs and military exercises will be back, according to recent statements by the naval chief of staff ...” adding:
"But what is no longer admissible is that the island of Culatra, in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and Sítio Rede Natura 2000, is again subject to military exercises with the landing of Marines using high speed craft, operations with live ammunition, and for the blowing up of explosives. The quality of life of the citizens and the vocation of Culatra Island for fishing activities and sustainable ecotourism are absolutely incompatible with these actions."
The Navy’s response, to assure the public, was issued today and reported by Sul Informação, with Comando da Zona Marítima do Sul, Cortes Lopes, stating to the local media service that:
"There will be no decommissioning of explosives, explosions or military exercises with the use of firearms" at the Hangares base.
What will happen is a reoccupation "with discretion" and one "that respects the environment" of this space, both in terms of buildings and human occupation, said Cortes Lopes.
There may be some small aircraft and drones stationed at Hangares, and diving teams undertaking stealthy night operations, according to Cortes who added that these activities will not damage the environment, nor will they bother the population.
"In terms of noise and impact, you will not feel the presence of the Navy. But of course, whoever is living at Hangares will certainly come across the personnel that are there," the commander of the Southern Zone commented.
