Petition proposes measures to protect Ria Formosa

Petition proposes measures to protect Ria Formosa

28-06-2012

fonte : theportugalnews.com

The Parliamentary Environment Commission pronounced its decision on the admissibility of a petition entitled ‘Protection of the Ria Formosa’ on Tuesday. This petition recommends to the government a schedule for work to be carried out to prevent coastal erosion along the Ria Formosa islands.
Organisers of the petition, which are supported by civil associations such as Somos Olhão, Movimento da Cidadania Ativa and the Association of Defence, Rehabilitation, Investigation and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage (ADRIP), collected 1,102 signatures on the internet and presented the document to the Environment, Land Planning and Local Authority Commission that was responsible for the decision of whether to accept it or not.

According to the Commission, the petition organisers "aim for the government to carry out studies and schedule the work necessary to stem the problems that are plaguing the Ria Formosa," namely coastal erosion and pollution.

According to the petition, the aim is "for work to sustain the barrier sand islands that form the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is protected under Rede Natura 2000 and the Ramsar Convention, to be carried out."

The petition suggests that "the best way to prevent coastal erosion is to apply geotextiles parallel to the coast, instead of building rocky piers out to sea."

Petition organisers consider this solution as the best based on scientific studies that show the "application of geotextiles do not interfere irreversibly with the natural movement of the sands, contribute to biodiversity, the quality of life of local population and the economy (namely fishing and tourism)," and have the "advantage of being low cost and durable."

Suggested locations for the measure to be adopted include Faro beach, Fuzeta Island and Cacela sandbar, among others, to "ensure the future survival of this unique and noble ecosystem of the Ria Formosa Natural Park that is at risk of extinction."

http://theportugalnews.com/news/petition-proposes-measures-to-protect-ria-formosa/26282