[QBE]

While recognising that the RSPB does a lot of good work, and has done for years, I feel they've let us down badly on this one.
They've been trying to save this area for more years than I care to remember, and we've been behind them all the way, both with time and funds.
At present the only new tool on the block is this petition, and due to the ruckus it's kicked up there's already been an inspection by the Environment Ministry and now a letter has been sent from the Ramsar Convention regarding Salgados to the Portuguese Government. (What this letter contains we're not allowed to know - that's official from José Tavares, the RSPB area rep - but we're allowed to know that one has been sent.)
Due to the Ministry inspection the water level has risen dramatically and the lagoon is approaching full capacity again - too late for this year's breeding birds - again! - but at least there has been some improvement and there are now plenty of birds there again and the water level is high enough to hide the carcasses of the many that didn't make it.
APA, the Portuguese Environment Agency, yesterday put out a press release blaming the whole water disappearance on a single farmer, which is being reported here as blatantly untrue and merely a whitewash - as they were already on record as admitting to SPEA that this solitary farmer's pumping activities were "insignificant". What has come out of it though is that despite an agreement being signed 4 years ago with SPEA and the RSPB, there is no monitoring of the water being taken by the next door golf course, so the fingers are all pointing in that direction - despite denials from the GC's management.
Be that as it may, the two welcome outcomes of higher water levels and the Ramsar Convention intervention have both been brought about solely by the amount of publicity that was generated by the petition - that we all thank you for signing.
This petition has obviously already proved its worth - and this is where I believe the RSPB has let us down.
Despite requests that they publish a small article and the petition's address in a prominent position on their site as well as relaying it to their members through their huge social media network via e-letter, tweet, facebook etc, it has taken them one whole month to write their first tweet.
We live in a computer age; an article costs nothing on-line - and nor would have publicising the issue cost anything either.
All that was needed was some back-up, some appreciation of what the grass roots were both saying and achieving, but there really has been very little indeed. One tweet and one blog entry by JT - though he tells me he's going to write another one today.
What has been lacking is any oomph, any feeling, any real commitment to getting stuck in and using their undoubted strength to make this tool stronger - this tool that has been given to them and that has proved its worth already.
One single tweet after a month of asking - that's appaling!
And, on a purely personal note, I have been told to stop being such a nuisance about it and to please stop writing emails to everyone as it causes them to have to have meetings to discuss it and think about it ....
What a shower!
That's the reality on this one, and a sad reality it is too.

[apbarr]

At least there has been some positive action taken, the problem will be to maintain that in the longer term so perhaps not all bad news.

[osprey31]

I'm sure that the RSPB are in reality working their little socks off over issues such as this, (the recent Buzzard issue is another example) but the impression that is coming across to alot of the membership doesn't back this up.
Maybe they should have a meeting to discuss whether they're actually publicicing themselves aswell as they should be.

[MJB]

QBE,
Congratulations in getting things moving!

Originally Posted by QBE

A letter has been sent from the Ramsar Convention regarding Salgados to the Portuguese Government. (What this letter contains we're not allowed to know - that's official from José Tavares, the RSPB area rep - but we're allowed to know that one has been sent.)

Frustrating though that may be, it's standard practice for NGOs when raising a subject with a government about a policy failure or inadequacy. If an 'open content' principle is applied at all times, it's all too easy for unsympathetic sections of a government or its civil service to quickly find reasons or excuses to respond unfavourably. Certainly the 'open content' approach should apply if responses from governments are inept, but a responsible NGO does have to think long-term. That said, I agree that the RSPB International appear to have missed an opportunity, but as I said in a previous post, given the sheer volume of problem areas that they have to deal with and their limited resources, it's bound to happen.

Originally Posted by QBE

Be that as it may, the two welcome outcomes of higher water levels and the Ramsar Convention intervention have both been brought about solely by the amount of publicity that was generated by the petition - that we all thank you for signing.

Well, done, QBE, for your part in that effort!

Originally Posted by QBE

This petition has obviously already proved its worth - and this is where I believe the RSPB has let us down. Despite requests that they publish a small article and the petition's address in a prominent position on their site as well as relaying it to their members through their huge social media network via e-letter, tweet, facebook etc, it has taken them one whole month to write their first tweet. We live in a computer age; an article costs nothing on-line - and nor would have publicising the issue cost anything either. All that was needed was some back-up, some appreciation of what the grass roots were both saying and achieving, but there really has been very little indeed. One tweet and one blog entry by JT - though he tells me he's going to write another one today.

I don't disagree one bit with the absolute need for RSPB to have done exactly as you have said. However, I do know that many like JT in RSPB have a workload that would stagger most people - I have no connection other than my ordinary membership of RSPB, but I've quite often met people who are part of RSPB International, and they have impressed me hugely - I certainly wouldn't want their working hours or workload. A major reason for their workload is that we live in a computer age - their Inboxes at RSPB International may contain several thousand e-mails if they have been away in another country for a week; responding appropriately to all those that aren't spam can't be done quickly, for many responses will require access to references, people, hard-copy correspondence and other evidence. That doesn't excuse the lack of response in this issue, but it may provide some context.

Originally Posted by QBE

And, on a purely personal note, I have been told to stop being such a nuisance about it and to please stop writing emails to everyone as it causes them to have to have meetings to discuss it and think about it .... What a shower! That's the reality on this one, and a sad reality it is too.

QBE, keep up the pressure - just tell them that once a realistic management policy is implemented, they'll no longer need to worry about e-mails from you!
MJB

[Pam_m]

I have had a reply to my email from Ian Hayward, Wildlife Advisor, RSPB:

Thank you for your email which has been passed to me for reply. We are fully aware of the continued threat to the Salgados and we have drawn attention to petition through our blogs, it has also been highlighted on our forums. However, a colleague who works closely with the Portuguese BirdLife partner SPEA and is fully aware of these proposals has sent me some information on this which is below and I hope that it will prove of interest, although sadly it is perhaps not terribly optimistic regarding the future of this area:

Thank you for your email and for your interest. Indeed, there has been some news in the Portuguese press and internet fora recently about Salgados, as the local council and the Salgados estate owners have recently signed the last contract for the development of the area west of the wetland.
Please note that the wetland itself is public domain and will not be developed. However, the land to the west (presently covered in natural vegetation) is owned, since many years, by a tourism development company (Finalgarve) who plans to construct hotels, villas and a golf course there. This development is not "new" - in fact it was legally approved in 2007. At the time the RSPB and SPEA (BirdLife in Portugal) did engage with the promoters and also the local council (Silves), and managed to reduce the scope of this project – number of beds and area to be built was significantly reduced, and a buffer zone around the wetland reserved for nature conservation. Not ideal, but the best we could do then.
Fortunately for Salgados, the company that owns the land has been mired in financial problems for the past few years, so this project has been dormant – a welcome and unexpected reprieve for the area. Years ago we thought that the area would be developed by 2013-2015! So even though the project was approved, things did not get into motion because there was no financing for the construction. We have also been told that they still do not have the cash to start the construction, and they are looking for partners to do so. Difficult to say how much of this is bluffing or not, so difficult to judge if this is another false start or indeed if there are any chances that the construction will start next year.
We have managed to influence a management plan for the wetland, that is quite good, as it includes most of our proposals. Unfortunately this plan is owned and implemented by the local water authority, who has been unresponsive, notably to the recent water abstraction allegations and drying out of the lagoon. Even though the area merits to be protected (Special Protection Area) under the Birds Directive, the Portuguese government has refused so far to designate it as such - in spite of our strong lobbying, the hundreds of letters sent by concerned citizens like yourself, and all the local and national media pressure developed over the years. The fact that the Portuguese nature conservation agency is very ineffective and is paralysed by lack of funding does not help much.
All in all, it has been a shoddy and shameful saga. An inept central government, two municipal councils focussed on development at all costs, a water entity with lack of vision, and two major developers that own the land either side of the wetland conspired to the current situation. Local residents, tourists and visitors are angry and disappointed, and so are we, but we do not have many options left –other than continue to press the inept authorities to enforce the law and implement the management plan, and lobby for the designation of the site.

The petition has at present 11,872 signatures.

Algarve Resident:Protest against Salgados destruction
http://www.algarveresident.com/0-483...os-destruction

[Sleeper]

Such a sad thing when such a great spot has to be "improved"

I think having people putting the correct info on such a forum is appreciated and having visited the area in Oct 2011 my wife and I have signed the petition.

It reads damage limitation so I just hope it is limited.

I listened to a gentlemen at A Rocha last Oct and it seems the very very important habitat at the Alvor estuary is also facing a battle against the same development including Golf Course.

Clearly golfing holds more importance than birding and on so many other levels.

[Gonçalo Elias]

Hello,

A protest action has been announced for today at 6 pm.

Does anyone know if it is still going to happen?

Thanks.

[Pam_m]

Originally Posted by Gonçalo Elias

Hello,

A protest action has been announced for today at 6 pm.

Does anyone know if it is still going to happen?

Thanks.

As time is getting on and the possibility of anyone in the know in Portugal replying to you in time is fast running out I would just go along and see if the protest is still on.

Here is an article about the protest that took place last Monday (6th August) at Lagoa dos Salgados:

http://www.algarveresident.com/0-483...-until-the-end

Great to see that visitors were made aware of the situation.

[Gonçalo Elias]

Originally Posted by Pam_m

As time is getting on and the possibility of anyone in the know in Portugal replying to you in time is fast running out I would just go along and see if the protest is still on.

It's too far for me (300 km away).

I am concerned about warning people who have shown interest in it.

[melaniecondon]

Proposed Salgados Development

We held a very successful protest in Portugal in August (photograph attached) and the Portuguese Green Party and television cameras were there to cover the event

If you haven’t already signed this petition, please please can I urge you to - it is to stop a proposed unwanted concrete development being built on a beautiful part of the Algarve that is a wetlands nature reserve – it is close to our home in Portugal and will create misery for so many of the visitors to the area who love the peace and quiet of the nature reserve

And, in addition, if you can, please forward it to as many people as possible – thanks so much – here is the link

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Sav...royed/?cmJSadb

[QBE]

Thanks Melanie,
Here's a shorter link as I don't think yours will work, http://bit.ly/Lpb53h
Petition now stands at 14,300+
Thanks to everyone who's signed. There's a volunteer legal team trying their best to unravel the shenanigans that allowed a company convicted of massive corruption to spread their tentacles over this last piece of unspoilt coastline and a letter is being sent to the President of the Republic concerning the matter signed by all the disparate NGOs who are fighting this - not that the president can do anything of course, but the ensuing publicity will help to raise the matter in Parliament and shine a spotlight on this sorry state of affairs. I will post up here news as it comes in ...

[QBE]

There's going to be a Public Protest Meeting at Salgados on Saturday 20th October at 15.00, so please come along if you possibly can, bring your friends too and spread the word. We need as many people there as possible. Make a banner or two too to protest with,(always wanted to write that!). There'll be talks as to exactly what the developers have been given permission to do as well as professional Birding Guides willing to answer all your questions and show you what's here at the moment.
Spread the word! See you there!

[Pam_m]

Originally Posted by QBE

There's going to be a Public Protest Meeting at Salgados on Saturday 20th October at 15.00, so please come along if you possibly can, bring your friends too and spread the word. We need as many people there as possible. Make a banner or two too to protest with,(always wanted to write that!). There'll be talks as to exactly what the developers have been given permission to do as well as professional Birding Guides willing to answer all your questions and show you what's here at the moment.
Spread the word! See you there!

The meeting was well attended on what was a hot afternoon!

http://www.algarveresident.com/47901...gains-strength

If you haven't signed the petition then please spare a minute to sign to help save a popular and beautiful Wetlands Nature Reserve.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Sav...estroyed/Print

[Andrew]

Don't know how I missed this thread. Petition signed and keep up the good fight.

[pdedicoat]

More on the protest meeting here:

http://www.jupiterbirding.blogspot.c...os-update.html

Peter D

[QBE]

The Salgados Petition, at present just shy of 20,000 signatures, will be handed in to the Portuguese Government on 8th January at 11.00 in Lisbon.
Anyone who can be there in support would be gladly welcomed - bring your friends too! The more the merrier, and seeing as the TV crews will be there, the more people we have the greater impact and the more chance we have of saving this wonderful place.
Please email Frank on info@paradiseinportugal.com for further details

[QBE]

The "Save Salgados" petition has been a huge success and changed Government policy! People Power DOES work!
Within hours of handing in the first 21,000 signatures to the Minister for the Environment the Portuguese Government had announced a radical U-turn in policy and now no building will take place before an official EIA has been implemented.
Huge THANKS to everyone who signed the petition and spread the word.
Full report on my website, www.birding-in-portugal.com

[Clive A]

Originally Posted by QBE

The "Save Salgados" petition has been a huge success and changed Government policy! People Power DOES work!
Within hours of handing in the first 21,000 signatures to the Minister for the Environment the Portuguese Government had announced a radical U-turn in policy and now no building will take place before an official EIA has been implemented.
Huge THANKS to everyone who signed the petition and spread the word.
Full report on my website, www.birding-in-portugal.com

That's great news, keep up the good work.

[angusmcoatup]

Originally Posted by QBE

The "Save Salgados" petition has been a huge success and changed Government policy! People Power DOES work!
Within hours of handing in the first 21,000 signatures to the Minister for the Environment the Portuguese Government had announced a radical U-turn in policy and now no building will take place before an official EIA has been implemented.
Huge THANKS to everyone who signed the petition and spread the word.
Full report on my website, www.birding-in-portugal.com

Encouraging news, and there are lots more worthy petitions on Birdforum for people to sign.

[Johnny1]

Best news I've heard so far this year!

[Mayo Corncrake]

Great news

[bongofury]

Superb news. Well done everyone!

Let's hope that the EIA highlights what a wonderful resource the site is. I presume this will take account of past bird records?

[Pam_m]

Absolutely fantastic news!!

[DaveN]

Brilliant news!

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by QBE

The Salgados Petition, at present just shy of 20,000 signatures, will be handed in to the Portuguese Government on 8th January at 11.00 in Lisbon.
Anyone who can be there in support would be gladly welcomed - bring your friends too! The more the merrier, and seeing as the TV crews will be there, the more people we have the greater impact and the more chance we have of saving this wonderful place.
Please email Frank on info@paradiseinportugal.com for further details

Fabulous news Peter. I was there over the Christmas and the petition signs in both languages were still flying. They must have been effective in conjunction with then online campaigning. Well done.