An entire ecosystem condemned in Condeixa!

Beyond just cork oaks... What is at stake with the installation of the photovoltaic plant in Ega (Condeixa-a-Nova) is an entire ecosystem, dominated by oak forests.

Milvoz conducted a survey of the natural values in the area where the company Anadia Green intends to implement a solar park, covering an area of 12 hectares.

In addition to the previously identified cork oaks, which have already highlighted the negative impact of this project, an outstanding biological diversity is also at risk. This diversity is associated with Mediterranean woodlands and scrublands, where hundreds of plant species thrive and on which many animal species depend. The targeted area is predominantly composed of an extensive Portuguese oak forest, with specimens of various sizes.

Following fieldwork, Milvoz technicians estimated the existence of more than 40,000 oaks across the entire area. Strawberry trees, kermes oaks, buckthorns, hawthorns, and butcher’s broom are just some of the native shrub species that abound in the undergrowth, among many others. Additionally, a considerable number of large umbrella pines is at risk, with around a hundred specimens identified.

Moreover, a very important ecologically niche was also identified in the area: a set of temporary ponds, a crucial habitat that supports several endangered species in this region.

A more thorough survey is being conducted to complement the general characterization of the natural values already assessed. The confirmation of the area's ecological richness reinforces the contradiction of approving renewable energy projects in locations with significant natural value—especially when there are degraded sites in the surrounding area.

We cannot continue to allow projects carried out to fight climate change but placing in jeopardy biodiversity conservation and rural landscape preservation!