Dear All, Dear Friends,Because nothing is more dangerous than ignorance, authoritarianism, submission, and because Portugal is still a democracy:http://prisaonosgagosnao.blogspot.com/For all of you who would like to show some support for our struggle, come and visit us and find out more about what's going on in one of the most beautiful parts of my country. Governmental institutions (the local government had the initiative and the ministry of Justice, who is not informed about the lack of democracy in the process, subscribed) have illegal intentions to destroy an extensive (42ha) forest of cork oaks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_oak), a species protected by the portuguese law, to build a prison. This forest is part of a wider protected agricultural area known as 'Herdade dos Gagos' that sits by a stream called 'Ribeira de Muge' that extends itself for over 80 kms of luxurious green valeys and rice fields. This forest and agricultural area shelters several species of animals and plants, and provides considerable income for the local populations, as the cork oak is the best one of the examples of how Humans can build a healthy relationship with nature. Several facts make us stand against this project. Some are the following: - First of all, the fact it is an illegal situation that is about to be committed by a democractic government: These decision-makers were selected democratically by the People, that trusted them to protect democratic values and look after their best interests
. This is not what's happening. The population in this area learnt through the media about what is about to happen. There was, in fact, no intention from the local government to inform about their decision...They simply assumed no one would find out as it is a quite remote location for European patterns... - Secondly, with all the environmental problematics we all have to face this century, a legacy from unconcerned generations that only wanted to develop as much as possible and didn't realize development does not have to mean destruction of natural resources, it is a humanitarian crime to destroy this forest and, at the same time, an entire region that would be damaged through it; - Thirdly, for many of us who know this region very well, who grew up in Gagos, Paço dos Negros and surrounding villages, who live there, breathe the fresh air, walk the paths of our grandparents, who so carefully looked after it for us and passed it on so undamaged, it is a personal attack: it is our home, a peaceful place, an unspoiled place, a vibrant and lively place where younger generations learnt to live a confortable and sustainable life with respect towards nature. It is not the end of the World there...It is not an abandoned area, from where everyone departed for the City many years ago...It is not vacant! And we all want to show that we are here to protect it from such attacks. These are the main reasons...For myself, not only the protection of a loving place, but also the protection of democratic values are at stake. I am very glad I don't know what it is like to live in a non-democratic country. And I will work hard to make sure future generations will be able to say the same. All of you who would like to learn more, support us (spread the word) or come and visit, just let us know. We will be here!Best Regards,
. This is not what's happening. The population in this area learnt through the media about what is about to happen. There was, in fact, no intention from the local government to inform about their decision...They simply assumed no one would find out as it is a quite remote location for European patterns... - Secondly, with all the environmental problematics we all have to face this century, a legacy from unconcerned generations that only wanted to develop as much as possible and didn't realize development does not have to mean destruction of natural resources, it is a humanitarian crime to destroy this forest and, at the same time, an entire region that would be damaged through it; - Thirdly, for many of us who know this region very well, who grew up in Gagos, Paço dos Negros and surrounding villages, who live there, breathe the fresh air, walk the paths of our grandparents, who so carefully looked after it for us and passed it on so undamaged, it is a personal attack: it is our home, a peaceful place, an unspoiled place, a vibrant and lively place where younger generations learnt to live a confortable and sustainable life with respect towards nature. It is not the end of the World there...It is not an abandoned area, from where everyone departed for the City many years ago...It is not vacant! And we all want to show that we are here to protect it from such attacks. These are the main reasons...For myself, not only the protection of a loving place, but also the protection of democratic values are at stake. I am very glad I don't know what it is like to live in a non-democratic country. And I will work hard to make sure future generations will be able to say the same. All of you who would like to learn more, support us (spread the word) or come and visit, just let us know. We will be here!Best Regards,
