The Civic Association for the Defense and Protection of the Laurissilva Forest (DPFL) made it known today, that the Administrative and Fiscal Court (TAF), “has initially admitted the injunction submitted by this association for the suspension and subsequent cancellation of the paving of the Caminho das Ginjas.”
According to the same source, the court “also warned the promoting entities, Regional Government – Secretary of Agriculture, of the prohibition to proceed with the execution of any acts related to the development of this project.”
“So the project is stopped and in the hands of the court. The project is no longer at the command and will of the Regional Government and its associates, for example the President of the Municipality of São Vicente. The Law, the rules and the statutes of conservation and classification of the Laurissilva Forest are thus, and definitively, within the scope of the Law,” confirmed the DPFL.
The court, according to the Association, accepted the 125 articles of alleged “illegalities and nonconformities related to the intention of paving and other actions, such as those from water networks to picnic parks” presented.
“Also, it was mentioned in our foundation articles the non-compliance with the Community Habitats Directive and its total legal and practical disregard, since this hypothetical “work” would be developed within a ZEC, a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura Network 2000.”
The Association reinforces that “the absurdity and abuse of the promoting entities – Regional Government and São Vicente City Council – of this disastrous and deplorable project, is now handed over to national and worldwide justice.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
