Lisbon's Controversial Decision: 25 Jacaranda Trees to Be Cut Down for Underground Parking

Controversial Tree Removal in Lisbon

The Lisbon City Council has announced plans to cut down 25 jacaranda trees on Avenida 5 de Outubro to make way for an underground parking lot. This decision has sparked significant backlash from local residents and environmental advocates.

Public Outcry

News of the tree removal began circulating on social media when notices were posted on the affected trees. In response, concerned citizens launched a public petition that has garnered over 18,000 signatures as of the time of this article’s publication. The municipality, led by Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP), countered the criticism with a post claiming that the avenue would become "greener and have more trees."

Urban Development and Green Spaces

The removal of these trees is part of a larger urban development project involving a mega-construction by the Fidelidade insurance group, which purchased the land of the former Feira Popular for €238.5 million. Notably, renowned architects Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura have previously expressed disappointment over the lack of green space in the project, which was modified to reduce green areas by 780 square meters.

Communication Issues

The official notices on the trees indicated that they would be removed due to urbanization and the lack of viability for transplantation. The message, stating that the trees would be replaced with new species, amplified public concern. Influential local content creators, such as Sofia Manuel (@atripeirinha) and Nuno Prates (@the_lisboan_gardener), helped spread awareness, leading to a surge in support for the petition against the tree removal.

Call for Clarity

The petition highlights the removal of mature trees and criticizes the lack of solid communication from the city authorities regarding this issue. The public is demanding more transparency and accountability from their elected officials concerning urban development and environmental conservation.