Sintra, Cascais, and Mafra Advance Plans for Major Coastal Marine Protected Area
\nThe municipalities of Cascais, Mafra, and Sintra are moving forward with the creation of a Community-Initiated Marine Protected Area (AMPIC), a significant environmental project for the Lisbon coastal region. It was announced on Wednesday that scientific and socioeconomic studies are set to begin shortly, with a formal process of community participation scheduled to launch before the end of the year. The announcement signals a new phase for the initiative, which aims to protect the rich marine biodiversity along the coastline of these three key municipalities.
\nThe project, which receives technical and financial support from the Oceano Azul Foundation, is being revived nearly three years after an initial scientific expedition surveyed the marine and intertidal zones of the area. According to a joint statement from the municipalities and the foundation, administrative and technical hurdles that had delayed the project have now been resolved. The Portuguese government, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy, has allocated one million euros to support the complementary studies required to define the boundaries and regulations of the protected area.
\nThe official announcement was made during a ceremony at the Lisbon Oceanarium, where the mayors of the three municipalities reaffirmed their commitment to the project. At the event, a documentary titled “Oceano Azul Scientific Expedition Cascais | Mafra | Sintra” was also presented, showcasing the findings of the initial research. The leaders emphasized a collaborative approach to the project’s design.
\nJosé Soares dos Santos, president of the Oceano Azul Foundation, highlighted the importance of designing marine protected areas in close consultation with local communities. He warned that, “the later decisions are made about the oceans, the more complex the problems become.” This sentiment was echoed by the municipal leaders. Carlos Carreiras, the mayor of Cascais, spoke of learning from past mistakes and the collective responsibility to “not spoil, safeguard, and enhance” the ocean’s resources. Basílio Horta, mayor of Sintra, added, “We are modestly collaborating in a universal intention to preserve the sea.”
\nPedro Carmo e Silva, a councilor from the Mafra City Council, reinforced this commitment, stating, “We have an obligation to leave a better sea than the one we found.” The planned participatory process is central to this goal, as it will allow local stakeholders, including fishing communities, tourism operators, and residents, to contribute to the final proposal for the AMPIC. The municipalities stated they will play a key role in this co-construction process, aiming to reconcile marine conservation goals with the traditional uses and economic activities of the local populations.
\nThe national government’s support for the initiative was confirmed by Jean Barroca, the Deputy Secretary of State for Energy. He assured that the government backs the project and that in related areas of energy policy, such as the development of offshore wind farms, the interests of local communities and the fishing sector will be protected. This guarantee is particularly relevant as Portugal develops its offshore renewable energy strategy.
\nThe creation of the AMPIC will involve detailed zoning plans, which may establish different levels of protection across the designated area. Some zones could be designated as no-take areas to allow for full ecosystem recovery, while others might permit certain sustainable activities. The results of the upcoming scientific and socioeconomic studies will be critical in informing these decisions and shaping the final management plan for the protected area.
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