Lisbon's Jacarandas Under Threat: BE Demands Full Protection Amid Controversy

The Left Bloc (BE) in the Lisbon City Council has put forward a proposal for the "full protection" of the jacarandas on Avenida 5 de Outubro, advocating for changes to the project that involves building an underground parking lot. The party accuses Lisbon's Mayor Carlos Moedas of having an "erratic" stance regarding the removal of these trees. Beatriz Gomes Dias, a BE councilor, emphasized the need for a clear decision from the City Council (CML).

Urgent Proposal

The BE's proposal, presented with a request for "urgent scheduling", aims to be discussed in the next private CML meeting on April 9. The inclusion of this document in the agenda relies on Mayor Moedas, who currently does not hold an absolute majority.

In a statement, the BE noted that following a "massive public mobilization" and a petition with over 54,000 signatures, a public clarification session was held on April 2, during which Urban Planning councilor Joana Almeida stated that "there is a closed contract", suggesting that the project would not change.

CML's Mixed Signals

However, hours later, the CML indicated a willingness to reconsider the project, despite ongoing work that created a barrier to prevent public view of the proceedings. Beatriz Gomes Dias criticized this as indicative of the "erratic nature of the CML's actions" and highlighted the strong opposition from Lisbon residents against the jacaranda removals.

On the following day, the CML announced a "new re-evaluation effort" regarding the tree removals, seeking to explore "any feasible alternative that has not been properly considered". Currently, only three jacarandas are authorized for transplant instead of the initially planned 20.

Project Details

The original plan entailed the removal of 47 trees from the Avenida, where 75 jacarandas are located. The proposal stipulated that 30 would be retained, 20 transplanted, and 25 cut down, while 39 new jacarandas and 49 other trees would be replanted. This tree removal is tied to the construction of an underground parking facility.

The petition "No to the felling of jacarandas on Avenida 5 de Outubro" was created on March 21—Tree Day, and it has garnered significant support.

In response to the CML's recent communications, protestors welcomed the "apparent openness" of the council to reconsider its decision but noted that there isn't a "definitive answer" for all the trees involved.

The BE's proposal aims to recognize the heritage, landscape, and environmental value of the jacarandas as elements to be fully protected within the city's green structure policy. It also seeks to ensure that there is no authorization for felling, transplanting, or any other removal of the jacarandas in accordance with Lisbon's Municipal Tree Regulation.

Additional points in the proposal include urging Fidelidade Property to redesign the parking project to ensure no impact on the trees' crowns or root systems, as well as guaranteeing transparency in the process and citizen participation through regular public meetings.

Currently, the Lisbon City Council consists of 17 members, including seven from the "New Times" coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança), who govern without an absolute majority, three from the PS, two from the PCP, three from Citizens for Lisbon, one from Livre, and one from the BE.