Citizens’ movement ‘Salvar as Alagoas Brancas’ has called out the municipal council of Lagoa over its “inaction” regarding the local wetland Alagoas Brancas, which it fears is being purposely ignored to pave the way for future construction.
It’s been nearly two years since local mayor Luís Encarnação signed a deal with Portugal’s Environmental Fund to safeguard the wetland, which for years was under threat of development, and turn it into a nature park.
While the land was in fact purchased from its previous owners, a plan drafted by the municipality was rejected by regional authorities (ICNF, APA, CCDR) for failing to meet ecological protection standards.
“The reality is nothing else has been accomplished, and whenever the mayor is questioned about the subject, his responses are very vague,” the movement says.
Meanwhile, the situation around the wetlands has worsened, from rising piles of rubbish to light and noise pollution, sewage leaks (which the movement says were reported in 2023 and 2024 but were unresolved), billboards for municipal events erected on the site and, most recently, approval for a new football pitch right next to the wetland.
According to the movement, these actions look like an attempt to “strangle Alagoas Brancas”, forcing birdlife and aquatic species to disappear – possibly creating an excuse for future construction.
The group also warns that, because the municipality has failed to honour the protocol signed with the Environmental Fund, there is now a serious risk of having to return the state funds used to buy the land.
Meanwhile, offers of free expert support, including two detailed technical reports from more than 30 specialists and NGOs, were made in April 2024 and March 2025, but have so far been ignored, the movement claims.
“Alagoas Brancas is not saved,” it says, adding that it has “abandoned, disregarded and neglected.”
The group vows to keep pressure on, including pushing Parliament to debate petition 231/XV/2ª to protect the Lagoa wetland.
“What should be a source of pride for Lagoa, with its ecological and cultural value, is being left at the mercy of those who, apparently, have no love for nature or the land,” the movement adds.
