NEW! - RTPM Video 06/11/2008: VIDEO
First:
We're not against controlled and well planned development where or when it proves necessary but we totally oppose when this so called "development" tries to invade a place of natural beauty such as Rabaçal.
Why would they do such a thing, do you ask? Well, simply for financial gains of 'some' and for their own ignorance and stupidity.
Did you know?
- Rabaçal was declared as "World Natural Heritage" site by UNESCO in December 1999. And is part of REDE NATURA 2000. And most importantly is part of PNM - Madeira Natural Park. (PNM's director has recently been replaced because he spoke his mind!)
- In order to build this cable car it will be necessary numerous support posts down the valley of Rabaçal which is the habitat of a rare and unique forest called the Laurissilva. Each of these posts will require a ROAD to allow access to the trucks and diggers.
- The plans are to build 3 stations (A;B;C;). From the main road (A) to the shelter house of Rabaçal (B) then down to the natural springs (25 fontes) (C). It's estimated that a LARGE portion of forest will have to give way to posts, access roads, stations, Toilet's etc.
Question:
Do you think that an 'unnatural' object such as a cable car, it's numerous support posts and 3 stations, cables/wires, ticket box, WC's, souvenir shops, bar(s) and so on would really contribute something to this natural and beautiful landscape?
Well, it seems that the people bellow are not paying attention to what nature experts, local people and tourists are saying loud and clear: "STOP BUILDING!", "NO CABLE CAR!"
The Politically Imposed Answers
Can you believe it?
Roughly Translating ... POTRAM: Order Land Plan of Tourism Interest
Santos Costa, Secretary of Social
"The cable does not violate the POTRAM rules and it's deployment is feasible in natural spaces of restricted access. I do not understand when they say that it will have negative impacts on the natural landscape when the aim is to precisely the opposite, that is, discipline and regulate access of the public, as in other natural areas in the world, also with cables, but restricted access.. "
Conceiçao Estudante , Secretary for Tourism and Transports
"The cable cars in the region were considered a plus in terms of the POTRAM. In the case of Rabaçal, we must not confuse the means of transport with the use that can be given. In this case, it may be a plus for tourism, provided it's form of use does not disturb the entire surroundings in terms of environmental impact."
Joao Correia, Environment and Natural Resources Director
"The deadline for the environmental impact assessment commission final report is 11/11/2008. This document will be delivered to the regional secretary of Environment and Natural Resources which will then announce the result of the environmental impact statement related to this project. Before that, there are no more comments on the matter."
Paulo Sousa, President of the SDPO - Sociedade de Desenvolvimento? Ponta Oeste (Aka: THE AXIS OF EVIL)
"The evaluation committee is examining the issue. People have the right to vote in favor or against it. Personally, I continue to think that this is a good bet for the development of the region and will not detract from the Laurissilva [Landscape]. But it is my personal opinion, wait for the final specialists report."
Unbiased Answer
Idalina Perestrelo, leader of QUERCUS Madeira
"The project, aimed at tourists is an infrastructure [cable car] for transportation of passengers with a potential capacity of 180 passengers per hour, offering additional services like restaurants, bars etc.(...) this does not fall under the exceptional use for leisure or recreational category permitted by the POTRAM, but to a permanent use, overlapping the main objective of this area. It's preservation!"
Source (Picture and text in Portuguese): Diario de Noticias 05/11/2008