The Algarve’s social media has been ablaze with justifiable indignation after ecological land at Cacela Velha, Vila Real de Santo António, was been scraped bare by machinery which cleared vegetation and tore out many protected trees.
The GNR’s environmental protection division, SEPNA, explained that the destruction had been authorised by the Institute of Nature Conservation and Forests, but was prompted to organise a second inspection.
The ICNF later agreed to halt the work, but only because the machines had been damaging the cliffs overlooking the Ria Formosa and the operators had cleaned more land than had been authorised.
The destruction of 40 hectares (99 acres) of natural vegetation and trees, including olive, carob and fig, has damaged the ecosystem which will take decades to recover.
The work allegedly was carried out under Decree-Law 124, which regulates the compulsory cleaning of land, but there is no further explanation as to why the work was authorised by the ICNF on such sensitive ecological land, why there was a positive opinion from the regional agriculture directorate and who was granted permission. No doubt next there will be a PIN project submission to get around existing protection laws - they don't seem to be working anyway.
Landowners in national park areas, must, “before cutting or cleaning, contact the ICNF by email explaining what you intend to do. They will advise,” according to Safe Communities Portugal's advice on land cleaning. (HERE)
The land is privately owned, is classified as Agricultural Reserve (RAN) and Ecological Reserve (REN) and is in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Vila Real de Santo António Council commented that this destruction has changed the Mediterranean landscape in an area where construction, anyway, is not allowed.
João Matos Fernandes, the Environment Minister, has been asked by local MPs to explain the situation.
For photographs of the damaged area, click HERE
