Dear Supporters,
We have reached a critical new stage in the Quinta cause.
With the Sintra court's rejection of the injunction to halt construction on the Quinta— a decision we find absurd and incomprehensible, as the main lawsuit has yet to determine the (il)legality and grounds of the entire process— the machines are now operating on-site, and the forest is being destroyed.
The outcome of the Quinta’s rescue remains entirely uncertain, as we are currently awaiting, at any moment, the ruling on the appeal of the first-instance decision regarding the injunction, as well as further developments in the main lawsuit.
SOS Quinta dos Ingleses expresses its deep indignation at this great INJUSTICE against NATURE and the PEOPLE of Carcavelos and Cascais for the following reasons:
In the 21st century, the most sustainable and forward-thinking cities (1), with resources like those available to the municipality of Cascais, and that prioritize the well-being and quality of life of their residents, invest in innovative solutions. Urban parks and the effective protection of natural reserves are key tools (2), making high-density urban areas—such as the Carcavelos and Parede parishes—healthier and more comfortable for residents, as well as safer and more resilient to climate change.
Destroying the Quinta weakens the ecosystem of the county and the Greater Lisbon region. As the last large forested area and vegetative cover along the coastline, home to hundreds of flora and fauna species (3), the Quinta has played a crucial role in pollination—particularly through birds and insects—and in supporting migratory bird routes.
It is unacceptable that, in an area where two streams flow into the ocean, prone to flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and significant sea level rise (4)—and with recent disasters like the floods in Rio Grande do Sul and Valencia—the Cascais municipality insists on promoting an outdated project: a mini-city on the beach with more than 850 apartments in buildings up to 7 stories high and 5 underground floors, jeopardizing the safety of homes, property, people, beach preservation, and surfing.
In addition to the mega project at the Quinta, three other urban developments are underway in Carcavelos South, totaling over 2,000 units of tourist accommodations and luxury condominiums. Considering the property prices in two of these developments (a three-bedroom apartment can cost €4.5 million (5), and a one-bedroom unit €460,000 (6)), it is clear that these homes are not intended for the average Portuguese family, nor for local residents. This will only further inflate housing prices and accelerate gentrification in the area.
It is unacceptable that an 800 m² beachfront plot, where the Hilton is currently being built, was sold in 2020 by the Cascais City Council (CMC) to the developer for only €312,000 (7), and now, the same Hilton is selling apartments for extraordinarily high prices, such as €4.5 million for a three-bedroom unit.
The municipality’s decisions should prioritize serving PEOPLE and communities, rather than catering primarily to economic and corporate interests. For example, right next to Quinta dos Ingleses, the land for Nova SBE in Carcavelos was expropriated by the CMC for public interest, with the owners being compensated based on a court ruling. The same solution could be applied to the Quinta.
In Resolution No. 208/2021, the Portuguese Parliament recommended that the government safeguard and enhance the environmental and heritage value of Quinta dos Ingleses, ensuring that “in coordination with the Municipality of Cascais, urban development is harmonized with the broader urban ecosystem (…) in terms of environmental sustainability, beach activities, compatibility with traditional commercial zones (…), and the mobility of residents, students, workers, and visitors in Carcavelos,” as well as classifying Quinta dos Ingleses as a "Protected Local Landscape." Despite the government reaffirming its willingness to act, the municipality has shown no valid attempt or political will to comply with this recommendation.
Direct participatory citizenship is a right enshrined in the Constitution, and the municipality has a duty to listen to, inform, and actively consider residents’ opinions. We won’t even list the countless times that citizens, various civic movements, and this environmental organization have urged the CMC to protect the Quinta and the coastline, nor the petitions or the more than 3,000 public consultation responses that the municipality ignored and showed no interest in addressing.
Under these circumstances, we will not passively and silently accept this great injustice against the Quinta and the people of Carcavelos. Now, more than ever, your support in this environmental and civic movement is crucial. Spread the word, speak openly about the cause, join our events, and stay informed.
We need to mobilize EVERYONE for a MASS PUBLIC PROTEST in front of the Cascais City Hall. To drive real change, we must be MANY. For nature, for Carcavelos, and for a world that is truly greener, fairer, more transparent, and more resilient.
We will announce the protest date soon.
Thank you very much!
—
Carcavelos, February 20, 2025 Environmental Association SOS Quinta dos Ingleses - ONGA
