Quercus, a Portuguese environmental group, along with the international Environmental Paper Network, are calling for an immediate moratorium on new eucalyptus throughout Portugal, together with a progressive reduction in the area occupied by the tree species by 2030.
The first year of the National Aliens and Borders Unit (UNEF), operated by Portugal’s Public Security Police (PSP), has been marked by repeated disruption at the country’s airports, with the officers’ union describing the period as a “very turbulent year”.
Around 50 protestors gathered outside Lagos Town Hall yesterday to rally against the construction of three tourist developments in the Meia Praia area, calling for work to be halted until the project has been properly assessed. Chief among the concerned parties’ concerns is the lack of insight into the possible environmental impacts of the planned works.
Portugal’s National Republican Guard (GNR) has seized 6,750 litres of petrol, four vehicles, and a mobile phone in the Algarvian municipality of Aljezur, in an operation targeting what authorities believe was equipment intended to facilitate international drug trafficking.
Critically low oxygen levels in the water of the Alcantarilha creek near Armação de Pêra, caused by extreme heat, are leading to the washing up of dozens of dead fish. The local council has been prompted to urgently prepare an operation to flush and replenish the waterway.
The President of the Republic promulgated on Tuesday, 18 August, a decree passed by Parliament establishing security and prevention rules concerning the identification of citizens in public spaces. The legislation bans the full concealment of the face in public, and has been commonly referred to as the “burqa law” during recent political debates.
Portimão Municipal Council has approved the launch of a municipal regulatory process, paving the way for new restrictions governing the use of rented e-scooters, bicycles, and other vehicles that are operated as part of shared services within the municipality.
Portugal’s Association of People for the Inclusion of the Roma Community is considering joining the prosecution as a civil party in the case brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Albufeira mayor Rui Cristina, over alleged discrimination and incitement to hatred charges.
