The Regional Nucleus of Quercus da Madeira has expressed its concern about the expansion and construction of new golf courses in the Region.
In a note to the newsroom, the Madeira Regional Nucleus of Quercus remarked that choosing to invest public funds in golf shows a “misery in the head” on the part of the Regional Government. They said it reflects a failure to set sensible priorities, likening it to people with addictive habits who spend whatever they have, and even what they don’t have, on their vice; ignoring the needs of those around them, often ending up impoverished and fueling the wealth of mafias that profit from their dependency.
In the note, signed by Elsa Araújo, president of the Regional Nucleus of Madeira, Quercus points out that it is not against tourism, but reinforces that this is an activity that has to be weighed and measured. “We are not against tourism! It is an activity that is to the economy like a medicine for a health problem; in the right dose, it solves; in excess, it becomes toxic and can even be fatal!
The option cannot be all or nothing. It should be an optimal dose! Unfortunately, we already have many signs of the toxicity of tourism. And it is not golf that will requalify the destination. It is through waste management, wastewater treatment, water management, soil, nature, and landscape conservation.”
Furthermore, if the Regional Government is set on using public funds, then the new golf courses should be public, as these have been created via the taxpayers’ contributions and not private investment.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
