The temperature is rising over the continued infilling of Lagoa’s ancient wetland area where it is rumoured that yet another supermarket is planned.
Protestors have been faced with zero cooperation from Lagoa council, which refuses to discuss the project despite legitimate questions being asked about the environmental aspects of the plan.
Stating that 'the development was approved years ago' is an insufficient basis on which to proceed with the destruction of a freshwater bird haven, which has become home to many rare species.
Thousands of Glossy ibis are being pushed from their winter habitat at Alagoas Brancas as this natural area to the north of the Aldi and Apolonia stores is being covered in earth in preparation for the supermarket.
It’s not just the ibis that is being displaced as the quiet marshland is home to a variety of birds including spoonbill, snipe, ibis, various ducks, mammals and insects, all of which are being evicted by the current earthworks.
Representatives from local environmental groups, Almargem and Quercus, finally have got an appointment with Lagoa’s mayor who needs to show that a full environmental impact assessment indeed was carried out and that a public consultation process was run, and that any conclusions and recommendations are being catered for in the supermarket plan.
A protest has been arranged for this coming Sunday (February12th, 10:00-12:00) in front of the new Aldi store, where Anabela Blofeld, James Watson and Carl Hawker among other environmentalists, will be on hand to explain why the loss of this valuable natural area would be catastrophic for wildlife.
Lagoa’s Left Bloc councillors have seen the destruction in progress and accuses the council of hiding behind paperwork and licensing agreements, while refusing to discuss this assault on the environment.
The local Left Bloc also is concerned that yet another supermarket in one of the region’s smallest cities will be too much for a swathe of local traders, who may have to close their businesses and lay off staff.
The protest will take place at Alagoas Brancas in front of the Aldi supermarket between 10am and 12pm. Everyone is welcome to join in.
A local ornithologist who has made a study of the Alagoas Brancas area that currently is being filled in, said there could still be a compromise with the important central areas of the wetland as yet undisturbed.
The council may yet relent and at least agree to halt the work while an environmental study is carried out, one that is not paid for by the developer, as is customary.
It is not in the interest of the any supermarket chain to upset its customers, especially in a catchment area with stiff competition.
Sign the public petition here: http://peticaopublica.com/pview.aspx?pi=PT84449
See the site on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSwRzC5Pdk&feature=youtu.be
Comments
It is very sad to see a unique and irreplacable natural asset being destroyed in favour of yet another bland and un-necessary supermarket.
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the protest but I will certainly be signing the petition.