The commitment to nature conservation, the reduction of emissions and automobile mobility, and the reform of the waste sector are some of the 10 issues that environmental organizations will present to the Minister of the Environment.
The 10 priority topics for the Portuguese Confederation of Environmental Defense Associations (CPADA) were disclosed this Thursday in a statement, within the framework of a meeting that the structure will hold with the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, next Monday.
In the open letter, CPADA begins by saying that “It is with apprehension and disagreement” that he sees the Nature Conservation portfolio disappear from the Government organization, a sector that is in decline and that “should be a cause for concern.”
“We draw attention to the need to develop actions to promote the use of sustainable practices, whether in agriculture, industry and other sectors, promoting the circular economy, the reduction of polluting emissions and the efficient use of resources,” he says. the document, in which it advocates the restoration of ecosystems, the continuation of investment in environmental education, and the protection and restoration of natural habitats, providing it with the necessary means.
CPADA also wants management plans and specific regulations for the Natura 2000 Network spaces, stating that it is urgent application of measures for decarbonizationbecause there is a risk of not meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and warns of the need to reduce emissions in transport, suggesting that short distances should not be traveled by car but by public transport, on foot or by bicycle.
“This way there would be fewer cars in the city, less production means less pollution and sustainable travel,” states the confederation, explaining that this change has effects on health, and that public space should not be privatized for the parking of an asset. private. “which only harms cities and territories.”
In the area of “tourism and sustainability”, CPADA proposes a paradigm shift in the sector, sustainable tourism, avoiding the overload of tourists, and in agriculture, it points to the Government program to say that measures are missing to comply with what was agreed. with the European Union (the strategic plans presented, such as the European Ecological Pact), and that there is no talk of food sovereignty or organic farming.
Also a priority, understands the organization, is the application “of a adequate water resources management modelespecially drinking water”, in addition to investing in technology and a plan that reduces water losses.
And he adds in this regard: “It is crucial to be disciplined and reduce access to wells and drilling that directly exploit groundwater and put it at serious risk.”
Regarding waste, green and circular economy, CPADA highlights that “the reform of this sector is urgent”, and that it is necessary to invest in the organization of the sector.
“The focus must be on reducing production, encouraging diverse and local selective collection, supported by clear communication on separation and recycling rules,” can be read in the open letter, which also highlights the importance of the ocean, and advocates for the due valorization of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Portugal, which has not happened.
“Taking into account that the oceans are, in themselves, the equivalent of several “Amazonian” forests, the classification of 30% of marine protected areas by 2030 is, therefore, of extreme environmental, economic and social importance, and a means of effective inspection,” warn those responsible for the open letter.
Source: Observadora
