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Weekend protest against Algarve oil drilling

oilrigAs part of an awareness campaign of the risks to the Algarve should oil and gas drilling tests lead to a full blown hydrocarbon extraction business in the Algarve’s coastal waters, the anti-oil action group PALP has organised a walk and kayak expedition this coming Sunday, June 28th

"The goal is to once again seek to mobilise and raise awareness Algarve-wide," said Joao Eduardo Martins from PALP, who said the first test drilling is scheduled for this October.

The action group wants clarification on the whole exploration contract process, the details of the secret deals done with foreign oil companies and wants studies to be undertaken on the impact that drilling and extraction activities will have on the environment, tourism and the economy and what arrangements are in place for the region to receive income from the companies involved in exchange for the risk and inconvenience suffered.

"As the contract is now, the profits go to the private sector and the risks stay with the public," said Martins, who asked, "If the Portuguese state and citizens receive little or no gain from this business, how is it possible to move forwards with a project of this size?"

A protest walk of 10 kiliometres has been arranged starting at 4pm at the entrance to Faro beach while a 12 kilometre kayak trip starts at 2.30pm from Faro docks. PALP advises people to bring water, sun screen, bathing suits and towels.

At the end of what should be a rather warm afternoon, those who have lasted the pace will gather for a meeting and much cold beer.

One of the surprising aspects of this serious thyreat to the Algarve as apristine tourism destination is the total lack of a response from the region’s councils which refuse to comment on the issue.

"There really is a strange silence. We are talking about something that affects the entire region and the local authorities are in silence, this amazes us," said Martins from PALP.

PALP was incorporated in March this year by a number of regional and national associations concerned with environmental protection, including Quercus, Almargem, the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) and the League for the Protection of Nature (LPN ).

To sign up, people need to fill in an online form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dEBksS3QxZvBmVbsJv_xLr5sne6Xq5SdSwujHmGQt-A/viewform?c=0&w=1