http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Save_Salgados_a_unique_internationally_recognized_birding_sanctuary_from_being_destroyed/?fpla
Hello,
Salgados is a unique habitat for birds and vital for the enjoyment of future generations. Right now the Portuguese Government has just given the go-ahead for the majority of the area, 359 hectares, (887 acres), to be “developed”. By developed they mean “to be concreted over” and thus lost to the wildlife that finds it vital now and also lost for the enjoyment of future generations. Any development near this important area will have a hugely detrimental impact on the wildlife that uses it. In recent years the Salgados Lagoon, between Albufeira and Armacao de Pera, has become very important to many local families and shared with many friends and family, all of whom have marvelled at the wealth of bird life there – Flamingo and Spoonbill, Ibis and Purple Swamp Hen amongst them. However, with a proposed (and approved) 232 million euro investment of two five star and one four star hotel plus apartments and yet another golf course, the future of this, the most important of the coastal areas remaining un-developed in the province is under serious threat.
It will never come back; it’ll be gone for ever. The Algarve does not need more hotels, golf courses or holiday accommodation – all of which stand now at 55% occupancy. What it DOES need is an appreciation of its unique habitats and the wildlife that depends upon them. Please help us get the signatures that we need for this matter to be raised in Parliament. We need you – you’re our only hope!
As Chief Seattle said, “Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money”.
Please share this petition on your Facebook and Twitter accounts - Please click on the link and sign the petition !
Having visited the Algarve twice on birdwatching holidays I was more than happy to sign this petition. The number half empty hotels and under-used golf courses is plain for every visitor to see , they don't need more. Eco tourism could benefit the country far more.
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Have signed and shared on Facebook, they are more than enough golf courses and hotels already! Sick of golf courses destroying environments here and elsewhere! Unfortunately I suspect it will go through since golfers tend to be people with money and unless they turn around and stand up for the environment over their sport there will be more golf courses built over rich, natural habitats :o(
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Done!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Signed!
Cheers, Jason
I've actually been to the Lagoa dos Salgados. Assuming this is the same place that is referred to in the petition then I can confirm it is a wonderful place for aquatic birds. It is reputedly one of the best freshwater marshes on the Algarve. I was there in October 2010 and there were Flamingos, Spoonbills and several species of waders including Kentish Plovers. Caspian Terns were fishing as was an Osprey.
There is development right up to the edge of the lagoon on the east bank but the west side was undeveloped and was a popular area for local families as well as birders. It would be a tragedy if this area was built on and the habitat destroyed to cater for golfers who already have plenty of facilities.
I have of course signed the petition.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
I've signed.
Have a read of my colleagues blog on this issue here.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Update
There's good news. The number of signatories has doubled since this was first posted here. The developers are already taking notice and have "agreed" some concessions , but more pressure is still needed to ensure they keep their word. The area needs full legal protection.
If you haven't already signed , please do so. If you know of any birding website that hasn't published the petition , please ask them to post it.
Thank You ! We must keep up the pressure so please help to pass on the link to the petition and get as many signatures as possible. Muito Obrigado !
Signed and passed on!