I've signed,

but have also 'pinched' this posting by Simon Wates who is based in the Algarve, from the Bird Forum website:


Portugal's Birdlife partner SPEA have "signed papers" with the company responsible for this development and have agreed a number of issues:

1. To respect a 500m buffer zone on the western shores of the lagoon (the eastern end has been a golf course for 20+ years).

2. They have donated the large ruin at the northern end to SPEA as a future reception centre.

3. There are still rumours that the site should become a SPA (ZPE), which would afford the highest legal protection.

4. Funding is supposed to be available for SPEA/RSPB to carry out the management and habitat improvement plan that was completed a good while ago. This includes the water management and islands, reedbeds and more.

5. Also, infrastructures on site such as hides, screens and boardwalks to improve visitors experience.

According to a press release by Domingos Leitão (SPEA) a few days ago, the Salgados Golf course have been ordered to reduce their water usage (total ban on weekends) and the water authorities are supposed to be supplying treated water to the site these days in an attempt to raise levels urgently. (These are dangerously low for nesting birds at the moment).

Its been SUCH a dry winter!

Apparently, the company is keen on preserving the site as an attraction (what with all the Flamingos etc). Of course it would be better if there were no development at all - but maybe things could work out well????

-- Edited by Phil Panton on Thursday 5th of July 2012 08:37:30 AM

Signed.

Done

Signed this morning ....well worth saving!