Vila do Bispo council diggers endanger 'one of Portugal's geological gems'

A rare cliff showing unique geological strata created more than 250 million years ago may be at risk after council works near Praia do Telheiro beach in Vila do Bospo.

A path leading to the cliff top has been bulldozed to make it easier for vehicles to get to the beach area. Internationally known Portuguese geologist Galopim de Carvalho is horrified that this work will affect this geological gem as stones and rocks have been pushed to one side and clumps of greenery destroyed to widen the access. 

On Monday, the national newspaper Público reported that due to the situation, the General Inspectorate of Agriculture, Sea, Environment and Spatial Planning had suspended any further work by the council until the legality of the work has been ascertained.

Galopim de Carvalho stated that this geological monument is in the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina and "is much more important than the similar internationally known Siccar Point in Scotland."

The earthworks on the cliff top have been carried out to allow improved access to the beach but may compromise the conservation of this geological phenomenon, "a particularly well preserved angular unconformity of great scientific and educational interest" according to the geologist.

Council chief, Adelino Soares said that his workers only had, "made improvements along a pre-existing path."

Paulo Fernandes, a professor at the University of Algarve who knows the geological site well admitted that a track already existed, but that the council’s intervention showed little care.

The professor warned that vehicles being driven to the edge of the cliff can destroy the natural heritage and put the occupants at risk.

Although the rock formation has no legal protection, Galopim de Carvalho said that the area around this rare and beautiful geological structure needs protection.

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