In a statement, MAAC said that it has already transferred 3.7 million euros, allowing the municipality to move forward with the acquisition of the lands, where a commercial project was planned that was strongly contested by the population and environmentalists.

Covering around nine hectares, the Alagoas Brancas site is a temporary freshwater wetland, located within an alluvial aquifer that supports an ecosystem of enormous biodiversity, used by more than 300 species of animals and plants, including in the urban area of the municipality of the district of Faro.

The approval of a commercial project for the site was the target of public opposition from several environmental protection associations, which called for the construction license to be revoked to avoid destroying the ecosystem.

In 2019, the Association for the Defense of Cultural and Environmental Heritage of the Algarve (ALMARGEM) coordinated a study of three wetlands in the Algarve, which brought together several experts, with Alagoas Brancas being analysed in detail.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, “For this specific case, the natural values identified in the study allowed us to have a correct perception of the biodiversity existing in the location”.

“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Action committed itself to finding the best solution, in conjunction with the municipality of Lagoa, to safeguard and adequately manage this wetland, as well as the natural values present there, in accordance with the provisions of the law ”, says the Government.

The acquisition of the land by the Chamber will allow the preservation of Alagoas Brancas and the creation of the future natural park in the city of Lagoa, an investment of 4.4 million euros, of which 3.6 million are directly financed by the Environmental Fund.

The completion of the Natural Park project in the city of Lagoa is scheduled for the end of 2025.