The National Association for Nature Conservation, Quercus, has issued a statement condemning what it describes as the “unjustifiable felling of trees” amidst a “climate crisis.” The organization argues that at a time when cities should be enhancing environmental resilience, the removal of 45 jacarandas on Avenida 5 de Outubro marks a significant and unnecessary ecological regression.
Quercus criticized the lack of transparency in procedures, which it claims are obscured by appealing project representations yet marred by questionable authorizations, poorly publicized public consultations, and erratic communication with the public.
According to the organization, while notices on trees informed the public about ‘interventions on the trees’—a euphemism for felling—public consultations were not given the same level of publicity. Although information sessions were announced for March 28 and April 2, the transplanting operations commenced prematurely on March 27.
The organization also highlighted the cancellation of the March 28 session due to ‘insufficient space,’ leaving only the April 2 session available. This reduction in public participation is seen as an alarming sign of a lack of transparency.
Quercus strongly opposes the felling of 25 trees and the forcible transplanting of 45 others, many of which it asserts will not survive. The association advocates for fewer cars and more trees, continuous green parks and corridors, and less impermeable ground in Lisbon to mitigate flooding and heat islands.
The ecological services provided by a mature tree are irreplaceable, as they purify air, reduce urban temperatures, and act as carbon reservoirs. Replacing them with young specimens is not viable since many do not survive their first year and take decades to reach maturity, the organization stressed.
Quercus described the tree removals for constructing an underground car park as an ecological affront that defies urban sustainability principles and contravenes the current Ecological Restoration Law.
The jacarandas, characterized as an iconic species of Portugal’s capital, play a crucial role in urban biodiversity and thermal regulation, emphasized Quercus.
It was noted that this municipal decision has been “widely contested by civil society,” with thousands signing petitions and participating in protests, actions with which Quercus expresses solidarity.
Quercus expressed regret that it was necessary to resort to an injunction to halt what it terms as an environmental crime, suggesting that it is the duty of elected representatives to protect natural heritage and promote more sustainable and inclusive urban spaces.
The association demands an “immediate reassessment of this intervention” with a transparent environmental impact study and effective public participation. It also called on the competent authorities to halt this attack on Lisbon’s urban trees and adopt concrete measures for their protection and enhancement.
Quercus underscored that “a mature tree is a living and irreplaceable ecosystem.” The association emphasized that urban sustainability should not be sacrificed for short-term interests, proposing smart mobility solutions, efficient public transportation, and urban planning centered around people and their relationship with the environment.
The Lisbon City Council postponed a public information session concerning the Entrecampos project, which involves jacaranda removal. Due to high public interest, a single session will take place on Wednesday, starting at 6:30 PM, at the Lisbon Forum on Avenida de Roma.
In a recent statement, the local government announced the planting of new jacarandas on Avenida 5 de Outubro and surrounding areas, with 10 new trees planted on Friday and five more on Saturday.
The Council also claims to have preserved 50 out of the 75 jacarandas originally slated for removal from the site.
It has also guaranteed that an additional 200 jacarandas will be planted in various parts of Lisbon.
This dispute centers around constructing an underground car park as part of the Entrecampos urban operation on the old grounds of Feira Popular.
Opposition to this project is expressed through the petition “No to the felling of jacarandas on Av. 5 de Outubro,” which, as of now, has gathered over 53,600 signatures since its launch on March 21—World Tree Day.
