“Wind power vs biodiversity investment: what is better for Portugal’s future?”
The Aware Algarve campaign – a movement questioning the sense behind a number of ‘popular green energy projects’ – is picking up steam following its baptism by fire with an insidious ‘wind farm project that isn’t’.
Realising that populations are frequently told how something is ‘good for them’ (when the opposite ends up coming true), it raises the question today, ‘are we being suckered into destroying the Algarve’s exceptional landscapes for the ‘good of the green revolution’, when a long-term view might show that there is no need?’
The group has “done its research”, concluding that “while wind energy can offer carbon neutrality, its projects come with environmental costs, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Barrocal and Caldeirão regions, situated between Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo and São Brás de Alportel. These areas are of exceptional natural value, featuring sinking streams, springs, caves, rolling hills, and cork oak forests—vital habitats for species like the Bonelli’s eagle and protected migratory birds”.
Yet, if we so much as blink, all these beautiful landscapes could be used to site whirling wind turbines.
Making this subject ‘doubly problematic’ is the fact that wind farm projects are being prepared before they have even been announced.
“Wind turbines typically require large tracts of land for installation, which can result in habitat fragmentation, a critical issue for ecosystems that thrive in uninterrupted landscapes. This fragmentation breaks up the natural habitat into smaller, isolated patches, preventing species from moving freely, finding food, and accessing breeding grounds”, explains the group’s latest press release.
Aware Algarve is pushing for a ‘different approach’: two areas currently under threat are both part of the Natura 2000 network, “which aims to protect Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
“The proximity of these two areas presents a unique opportunity for expanding the Natura 2000 network to create a contiguous protected landscape that enhances habitat connectivity and ensures the survival of species across a broader area,” says the release.
“Expanding Natura 2000 in these regions will help protect vital ecosystems, already hanging by a thread, and support local livelihoods through sustainable practices like cork harvesting, bee keeping, and eco-tourism. These nature-based solutions provide long-term gains, including better climate resilience and economic stability.
“Poorly planned projects risk accelerating biodiversity loss, undermining conservation efforts and potentially creating irreversible damage to the region’s natural heritage.
“In contrast, biodiversity investment through the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 offers long-term benefits that far exceed the immediate gains from wind energy.
“For every €1 invested, nature restoration can generate between €4 and €38 in economic gains, thanks to ecosystem services like carbon capture, water purification, and soil preservation. This has led groups like Aware Algarve to question whether Portugal should prioritise nature-based investments over short term wind projects, which burden consumers with higher energy costs and risk damaging delicate ecosystems.
“As the Portuguese government pushes for an efficient energy sector, the question remains: should the focus be on short-term energy security through wind turbine farms, or on the long-term benefits of biodiversity investment?
“By balancing both approaches, Portugal can meet its renewable energy goals while safeguarding its natural heritage and ensuring economic resilience for future generations.
“We can all play a part in shaping this future. Join the Aware Algarve campaign to stand up for balanced, sustainable development that prioritises biodiversity over unsustainable wind power projects.
“To learn more and get involved, visit the Aware Algarve Facebook page and group to become part of the movement working to protect Portugal’s most valuable natural landscapes”.
For the time being, Aware Algarve is most focused on issues in the Sotavento region. As it grows, it will undoubtedly take on different challenges.
natasha.donn@portugalresident.com
