Tavira Câmara and environmental association Almargem have teamed up in an effort to stop the degradation of the Pego do Inferno, a natural beauty spot in the Ribeira da Asseca valley.
Due to the popularity of the site, especially in the last decade, it has become overcrowded with people, putting its biodiversity in danger.
Pego do Inferno is a two kilometre series of waterfalls, part of the Asseca river valley, which finally flows into the River Gilão that meanders through Tavira and out to sea.
As the site became more popular with tourists, access to the Pego do Inferno evolved from a small track through an orange grove to being possible through purpose-built walkways and wooden structures.
This improvement of the access to Pego do Inferno has also led to vandalism of the site despite efforts by the local authority to keep it clean.
Bonfires, rubbish left on the banks of the river and illegal camping on the site have been highlighted as the biggest areas of concern.
Algarve Resident contributor and a regular visitor to the site, Chris Wright explained the reasons for Pego do Inferno’s popularity: “The peace and tranquillity surrounding these waters give the visitor a chance to savour an eco-system that has evolved over many centuries.
“There are picnic areas and, in the summer, a small kiosk is open for the sale of refreshments. The pool is a great favourite with families who enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters.”
To stop degradation of the site, Almargem president João Santos argues that “developing a global plan of action for the riverside area of the Vale da Asseca, with particular attention to Pego do Inferno, has to be done. The possibility of controlling the access through an admission fee is another option that should be considered.”
Tavira Mayor Jorge Botelho said he recognises “the need to re-evaluate the access to Pego do Inferno. An entry fee would be a solution to preserve the site, but we do not want to place restrictions in the council’s attractions.”
He is also in favour of giving protected status to the area: “If nothing is done urgently, the site will deteriorate more and more.”
Do you have a view on this story? Please email Editor Inês Lopes at ines.lopes@theresidentgroup.com
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