The project to construct a golf course on farmland to the west of Silves has been severely criticised by Quercus, the environmental group which fears the further destruction of the Algarve’s natural heritage.
The public consultation phase has ended and Quercus has let the developer and Silves council know of its objections.
"Quercus once again is demonstrating anger and displeasure with the announced intention to implement the project on land classified as a Site of Community Importance (Arade/Odelouca), and within Agricultural Reserve and Ecological Reserve areas," reads a statement.
In addition to the stout defence of the Algarve’s habitat, the association regretted that the Environmental Impact Study submitted by the developer did not reflect the fact that the Algarve region already has 37 golf courses, three of which are in the Silves council area.
The project has been sumitted by Feitoria Fenícia - Investimentos Agropecuários e Turísticos, Lda which wants to construct an 18-hole golf course, a club house and associated areas.
The property where the developers intend to build the golf course has an area of 61.90 hectares registered as Natura 2000, National Agricultural Reserve, National Ecological Network, Public Water Domain, and as part of the water system for Silves, Lagoa and Portimão.
Quercus says that the Environmental Impact Study has several gaps and fails to include an explanation of the environmental impact caused by the construction the golf course, a fairly basic requirement.
The environmentalists believe that the local economy will benefit little from the project.
The construction of three lakes and the consequent destruction of water channel running through the property is one of the concerns raised and the report disregards the impact of the use of fertilizers and pesticides on water quality and soil.
Quercus states that the land classifications where the investors want to build the golf course have been specifically assigned to ensure the protection and safeguarding of quality agricultural land and the Algarve’s natural heritage.
"Rather than adopting a development policy based on a balance between the artificial areas and the natural ecosystem ... they continue to invest in the widespread destruction of areas designated for nature conservation and in the interruption of ecological corridors."
Few golf courses make money from golf, but many do where they can build high-end residential properties alongside the fairways. Golf + villas is the aim of developers and there is no reason to suspect that Feitoria Fenícia Lda has different long term objectives even though the flat area to the west of Silves is hardly prime building land.
See also:
http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/3245-another-golf-course-planned-for-silves
