Who we are, and why
Associação Praia de Monte Clérigo (Monte Clérigo Association) was formed in July 2016, by a group of people who live and feel Monte Clérigo. The click for this movement’s organization was giving voice and coordinating the response to the Western Algarve Coastal Program (POC-Odeceixe-Vilamoura), and to the “Monte Clérigo Beach Plan” in it.
We believe that this document, proposes a careless destruction of what Monte Clérigo is today – by putting forward a proposal to demolish about a third of the local houses – disrespecting both residents and users of the beach, seriously threatening both directly and indirectly the preservation of the local natural values, and identity of a place like only a few still exist – A different and preserved place. A place with its own soul. A place we believe makes sense exactly how it is.
Today a beach & surf paradise, Monte Clérigo settlement exists for more than 80 years, and its history gets intimately linked to the history of Aljezur itself over the 20th century. There are families today living its 5th generation of Monte Clérigo. With the first proper solid houses being built almost 100 years ago, these people fought for better life conditions and facilities. They fought for electricity and drinking water. They fought for , and built themselves roads and paths. They created a community feeling that lingers on. They shaped what today is the Monte Clérigo that we all know.
It is the houses of these families that POC-Odeceixe-Vilamoura (POC-OV) proposes to destroy. With no solid justification, no solid arguments, and definitively no concern for respect, identity or heritage.
Our standarts
Monte Clérigo Association aims to defend its associates’ interests under the following guidelines:
- Preserving the environmental, cultural and landscape values of Monte Clérigo and surrounding area, and informing about its importance;
- Promoting cultural and leisure activities aiming at promoting the community spirit;
- Cooperating with public and local authorities in order to provide knowledge about local needs, and contributing for solutions;
- Developing the necessary steps to preserve, requalify and protect the local heritage;
What is POC-OV ?
POC-OV is responsibility of the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA), namely it´s Algarve branch. The programme is a coastal zoning and management plan for the area between Odeceixe and Vilamoura.
It is an intervention plan by the central government, that defines and draws so called “Safeguard Areas”, buffer areas next to cliff and dunes, where it is considered that risk can occur in the next 50 or 100 years, according to computer modelling software. These plans prevail over over local management plans.
It was unveiled in June 2016, and opened to citizen opinion though a public participation process until July 19th.
It details 93 “Beach Plans”.
POC-OV and Monte Clérigo
The “Monte Clérigo Beach Plan” proposes the demolition of 38 structures – 35 private homes, 1 garage, 1 restaurant and former community center (“O Sargo”), and a public toilet.
POC-OV draws lines defining risk areas. In Monte Clérigo it marked for destruction houses inside “Inland Buffer Lane – levels 1 and 2” and “Sandy Coast Buffer Lane – levels 1 and 2”.
However, there are several incoherencies and serious unexplainable facts when comparing “Monte Clérigo Beach Plan” with the remaining 92.
- There are hundreds of houses overlapping the drawn “Inland Buffer Lane – levels 1 and 2”, in 49 of the 93 “Beach Plans” considered in POC-OV (~53%). However, following these criteria, there are more houses proposed for demolition in Monte Clérigo (9) than in all the coast of the Western Algarve (6)
- There are hundreds if not thousands of houses, resorts and establishments of all kinds overlapping the drawn “Sandy Coast Buffer Lane – levels 1 and 2” divided between 14 of the 93 beached considered (~15%). However, by these criteria, there are almost 10 times more houses proposed for destruction in Monte Clérigo (21) then in the entire coastline between Ocedeixe and Vilamoura (2).
- There are even houses proposed for demolition outside any buffer areas!
These are not unfinished or unoccupied structures, fishermen warehouses, or illegal beach bars. These are simple and historic private homes, and a regional heritage.
Monte Clérigo has been considered as a formal legalized settlement since the Aljezur Urban Zonning plan (PDM) of 1995. They are registered homes that pay taxes. Besides , and unlike almost sttlements in the Algarve, there has not been a single new house in Monte Clérigo for more than 30 years. There is no urban expansion here.
Monte Clérigo has a history and an identity. It is an unique place, and that is the reason people come here. If it becomes a place like every other, then its identity would have been lost, along with the reasons that make it special, and it´s invisible heritage.
We have seen a lot of impossible things happening in this country. And we fear for what may come, if the houses go.
Next steps and the part of the Association
In an initial stage, Monte Clérigo Association coordinated its efforts in information and awareness of the public participation process. We believe we have contributed for the participation of a few hundreds. For that, we elaborated 2 position papers in an editable format, and made public sessions to help the more unexperienced computer users to participate.
We also posted some articles in national media, and worked alongside the City Hall to raise public awareness. We organized sessions to keep the population informed, and deployed outdoor information plates in Monte Clérigo.
IMPORTANT: It is nor final yet! Right now, APA is reviewing the plan, and taking (hopefully) under consideration the public opinion, and will work on a final plan. This plan has to be approved by the Portuguese Council of Ministers, with the inputs of the Environmental Bureau. What we hope and strongly advocate for, is that the final plan does not include this abomination that is the “Monte Clérigo Beach Plan” as it is now.
We will make plans and efforts to speak to central government authorities and to raise the issue in parliament. Meanwhile we will keep spreading the word, and next steps in media and outreach are being prepared.
Because we believe in Monte Clérigo.
Stay tuned and follow us on facebook.
Associação Praia de Monte Clérigo 