Porto Santo – UNESCO Biosphere Polluted

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

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The accumulation of abandoned vehicles, household appliances, and other debris scattered across Porto Santo is “incompatible with the island’s status” as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, according to Carlos Silva, a deputy for the Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party.

In a recent statement, the parliamentarian recalled that Porto Santo joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in October 2020. He noted that this prestigious designation is a source of immense pride for the people of Porto Santo and Madeira alike, serving not only to highlight the island’s social, historical, environmental, and cultural richness but also to mandate a collective responsibility for its preservation.

Environmental and Health Concerns

“There is currently an undesirable proliferation of scrap metal, resulting from the abandonment of cars, appliances, and other items across both public and private spaces,” criticised Mr Silva. “This has harmful impacts on the environment and jeopardises the tourist image of Porto Santo.”

He further warned that these abandoned items, or monos, are often in an advanced state of decomposition, posing a significant public health hazard as they contain heavy metals that could potentially enter the food chain.

Mr Silva highlighted that the issue is not merely a matter of public perception but has been acknowledged by the local City Council. During a recent public meeting, the executive acknowledged the problem and questioned the Regional Directorate for the Environment’s role and effectiveness.

The deputy noted that he had personally attempted to contact the Regional Directorate for the Environment regarding the matter but has yet to receive a response.

In response to this inaction, the JPP has requested a parliamentary hearing with the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment, and Culture. The objective is to clarify the reasons behind the proliferation of scrap metal and to understand the Government’s strategy for eliminating these sources of pollution within the Biosphere Reserve.

“We must remember that World Environment Day was recently celebrated,” Mr Silva concluded. “The protection of nature is a battle that we must all fight together.”