Protecting 5 per cent of the county - is that too much to ask?

In recent years, we have been following the biodiversity situation in our region with increasing concern, particularly in the municipality of Coimbra, where the vast majority of forest cover is dominated by eucalyptus monocultures and areas infested with invasive species. The few remaining areas of multifunctional and biodiverse forest are facing increasing pressure and real risks of degradation.

In partnership with the City Council of Coimbra, Milvoz has been working to protect the last biodiversity hotspots in the municipality. As part of an INTERREG grant, the council presented a project to create a municipal network of micro-reserves. Milvoz was contacted for this purpose and identified 36 priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the municipality.

These areas represent only around 5 per cent of the municipality's total area, but if properly protected, they can guarantee the conservation of a very significant fraction of Coimbra's natural heritage for future generations.

However, the pressure on these areas has been increasing alarmingly - especially in the last two years. Of the 36 biodiversity hotspots identified, two have already been completely destroyed, just a few months after the official announcement of the CMC's intention to create the network of micro-reserves. Of the priority areas, 24 have already been heavily impacted by indiscriminate logging associated with bad practices of fire prevention. This situation, aggravated by the invasion of exotic species, has seriously jeopardised the ecological integrity of the sites.

As if that weren't enough, new threats continue to emerge. The construction of photovoltaic plants has already impacted two of the areas identified, and wood theft remains a growing problem, due to a lack of supervision and monitoring. Various infrastructure projects continue to fall disproportionately on these sensitive areas, even when there are viable alternatives with a much lower environmental impact.

This is a worrying and, above all, unacceptable scenario. How is it possible that, with a large part of the municipality's territory available for this type of projects, we let them be implemented in the 5 per cent of priorities to be protected?

Just 5 per cent! That's all we're asking for - the protection of 5 per cent of the municipality's area, enough to safeguard the most valuable ecosystems that remain. But it is precisely this 5 per cent that is in danger of disappearing unless urgent action is taken.

Coimbra has the opportunity to lead

Coimbra can assert itself as a modern, responsible and visionary city. This project has the potential to highlight the municipality - not only nationally, but also internationally - as an example of sustainable planning, where endogenous natural resources are valued and put at the service of communities.

We therefore call on Coimbra City Council to take urgent action to move forward with the creation of the network of micro-reserves and guarantee the protection of these essential ecological areas. The time is now. If we don't act, we risk missing a historic opportunity to make Coimbra an example of sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Coimbra can - and must - be a city that respects, values and protects its natural assets, ensuring a competitive future, attractive to talent and investment, and recognised as a reference in sustainable urban planning.

Let's not let this opportunity slip away!