Quercus Opposes Sines Deforestation Project

The Quercus environmental association has called for the rejection of a deforestation project in Sines, Portugal, which involves cutting down 3,593 cork oak trees. The project, promoted by aicep Global Parques, aims to install industrial and logistics units in the Sines Industrial and Logistics Zone. Quercus argues that the project would lead to significant environmental impacts, including the destruction of nearly 350 hectares of forest.

The proposed deforestation affects 347.62 hectares of the A2 Execution Unit in Sines, with concerns raised about habitat destruction, particularly for vulnerable bird species. Quercus also highlights the loss of carbon storage and sequestration capacity, with estimated emissions of 32,403 tons of CO2 equivalent. The association claims that the proposed compensation measures, including planting 32.79 hectares of new trees, are insufficient.

Quercus criticizes the project's timeline, which coincides with sensitive bird breeding periods, potentially causing nest destruction, egg and chick mortality, and habitat loss. The association also warns of soil erosion and sediment transport risks during the rainy season and potential flood consequences due to future land impermeabilization.

The environmental group questions the transparency and consistency of the project's Environmental Impact Study and its non-technical summary, citing difficulties in evaluating the project's consequences. Quercus demands the exclusion of priority habitats and ecologically sensitive areas from the project.

Quercus president Alexandra Azevedo emphasizes that natural heritage loss is immediate and often irreversible, while proposed compensations may take decades to yield results. The association requests effective carbon emission compensation, fauna protection plans, erosion prevention, and invasive species control.

The group also calls for a flood study, independent environmental monitoring with public results, and a revised non-technical summary. Quercus urges the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry to reject the project.

The controversy highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection in Portugal. The project's fate will depend on the authorities' response to Quercus' concerns and the balance between economic growth and conservation priorities.

Key points

• The Quercus association demands the rejection of the Sines deforestation project due to significant environmental concerns.
• The project involves cutting down 3,593 cork oak trees and destroying nearly 350 hectares of forest.
• Quercus proposes alternative measures, including effective carbon emission compensation and fauna protection plans.