### Government Policy Change

The **Portuguese Government** has made significant changes to its initial decree-law aimed at facilitating the **conversion of rural land into urban areas** for housing development. 

Previously, **affordable housing** was a mandatory requirement for municipalities to approve such conversions. However, this condition has now been removed. Instead, the new stipulation requires that at least **70% of the total construction area** on these lands must be allocated for **public or moderately priced housing**. This shift raises concerns as it opens the door to potential speculation in the housing market.

In response to criticism regarding this decision, the Government maintains that affordable housing is still encompassed within the broader category of public housing.

O “arrendamento acessível” deixou de ser uma das condições para que municípios possam autorizar conversão de solos rústicos em urbanos para construção de casas.

Portugal Government Scraps Affordable Housing Requirement for Urban Development: What This Means

## The Rising Impact of Dolphin Watching Tourism

The increasing presence of **tourist boats** for dolphin watching is significantly affecting the local dolphin populations in the Algarve. A study conducted by the **Marine Environment Research Association (AIMM)** has revealed that the surge in tourism is disrupting the communication and behavior of these marine animals.

### Key Findings of the Study

Published at the end of last year by a group of Portuguese researchers, the study concluded that the **significant rise in boats** for dolphin observation is impacting local populations, particularly the **common dolphins** and **bottlenose dolphins**. The researchers examined the effects of increased underwater noise generated by these vessels, which, according to the association, alters the sounds emitted by the dolphins.

Joana Castro, the executive director of AIMM, explains, "We found significant changes in the characteristics of the whistles produced by these animals. When there is excessive noise in certain areas, the acoustic pressure may compel the animals to seek alternative habitats."

### Methodology and Results

Data was collected during the peak tourist season using **hydrophones** to capture the sounds emitted by dolphins in the presence and absence of boats. The results indicated notable changes in the frequency characteristics of the whistles, including an increase in initial frequencies. Furthermore, the association warns of other associated risks, stating, "Dolphin watching tourism in the Algarve plays a crucial role in these animals' lives. Changes may occur in their behavior, feeding, and breeding habits, in addition to alterations in their acoustic behavior."

![Dolphin Observation](https://smart-cities.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Imagem-WhatsApp-2024-11-13-as-11.20.21_7fe56844-fotor-20241114171913-300x157.jpg)

### Recommendations for Sustainable Practices

The study's findings will be shared with companies operating in this tourism sector to raise awareness about the associated risks. Joana Castro emphasizes, "We believe that this activity can truly benefit the conservation of local species, provided it is conducted in a conscious and sustainable manner. This involves educating companies about the implications of their activities."

To further address the issue, AIMM seeks greater involvement from regulatory authorities. "The primary responsibility lies with the entities that regulate this activity, particularly government bodies. They must be accountable for the licenses they issue and for overseeing these operations. Regulatory bodies need to take the exploitation of these natural resources more seriously," concludes researcher Joana Castro.

According to AIMM, the Algarve region is the area with the highest dolphin watching tourism in mainland Portugal, making this sector economically significant in the southern part of the country.

*Featured image credit: Shutterstock*

A crescente presença de barcos turísticos para observação de golfinhos está a afetar a população destes animais marinhos. O estudo realizado pela Associação para a Investigação do Meio Marinho (AIMM) indica que o aumento do turismo está a ter impactos na comunicação e comportamento destes animais. O organismo pede mais fiscalização do Governo.

Dolphin Tourism in Algarve: Growing Concerns Over Impact on Marine Life

**Parliamentary discussions** about the **abortion law** are back on the agenda this Friday at the Assembly of the Republic, initiated by the Socialist Party (PS). The left-wing parties are pushing to extend the current legal limit of **ten weeks** of gestation. However, these proposals are expected to face **strong opposition** from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Chega, who have pledged to vote against them.

**Key Proposals:** The discussions revolve around legislative initiatives proposing to extend the limit to **12 or 14 weeks**. Notably, the PSD's parliamentary leader, **Hugo Soares**, has publicly announced their opposition to all projects concerning voluntary pregnancy termination, aligning with Chega and CDS-PP.

Despite this, Socialist deputy **Isabel Moreira** has urged the PSD to support the PS, distancing from Chega's stance. The PS's proposal includes:
- Extending the legal limit from ten to **12 weeks**
- Ending the **reflection period**
- Clarifying the law on **conscientious objection** to prevent it from acting as an obstruction

Other leftist parties, including **BE, Livre, and PCP**, also advocate for extending the legal timeframe for abortion. The communists suggest **12 weeks** and **14 weeks** in cases of life-threatening conditions. The **Bloco** and **Livre** support the PS's call to eliminate the reflection period, proposing a **14-week** extension instead.

The **PAN** aims to enhance support for women during pre-abortion consultations and regulate the conscientious objection rights of healthcare professionals. In contrast, Chega's proposal includes requiring pregnant women to undergo an examination to see and hear the fetal heartbeat, while CDS-PP supports the presence of conscientious objectors during pre-abortion consultations.

![Parliamentary Discussion](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/c1/c19d1cea7f28b244d879c52dabfab6fa?w=860&q=90&rect=0,194,1920,1053)

A polémica sobre o tempo para a interrupção voluntária da gravidez regressa esta sexta-feira à discussão em plenário na Assembleia da República, a pedido do PS. A esquerda parlamentar quer ver alargado o prazo legal, que atualmente se estende até às dez semanas de gestação. As propostas têm, todavia, reprovação garantida: PSD e Chega vão votar contra.


Controversial Abortion Law Changes Spark Heated Debate in Portugal's Parliament

**A GNR soldier** who fell off his horse during the **transfer ceremony of Eça de Queiroz** to the **National Pantheon** in Lisbon has been discharged from the hospital after sustaining minor injuries. According to the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), the soldier was assessed medically and showed only **contusions** without any fractures. The incident occurred during a ceremony that began on **January 8** in rainy conditions, shortly before **09:00** at the **Assembly of the Republic**. The ceremony involved the **removal of the writer's remains**, accompanied by a **funeral march** performed by the GNR band. As the urn was placed in front of the parliament, the **national anthem** was played, marking a significant moment in the tribute to the renowned Portuguese author. The transfer continued with a funeral carriage carrying the urn towards the **National Pantheon**, followed by a procession that included family members and GNR cavalry. Furthermore, the GNR noted that the horses are equipped with **rubber shoes**, though weather conditions can impact such events.

O militar que caiu do cavalo durante o cortejo de trasladação de Eça de Queiroz para o Panteão Nacional, em Lisboa, já teve alta. ...

GNR Soldier Injured During Eça de Queiroz's Transfer to National Pantheon

**The Ministry of Environment** has announced funding for two significant **coastal protection projects** in the Algarve region: the **renaturalization of the Ancão Peninsula** at Praia de Faro and the **stabilization of cliffs** at D. Ana beach in Lagos. These initiatives are supported by the **Sustainable Operational Program 2030** and the **State Budget**. 

Both projects are in progress, with the Ancão Peninsula project already nearing completion. This project focuses on **removing illegal structures** and enhancing dune systems with native vegetation, which will involve relocating local fishermen to new housing being constructed in Montenegro. 

Mayor Rogério Bacalhau highlighted that the project has roots dating back to 2011 when funding was allocated for purchasing land to accommodate these families. Currently, approximately **30 families** have agreed to move, but only **49 homes** are available. 

In Lagos, the stabilization project for D. Ana cliffs, costing around **€600,000**, is almost finished. This initiative aims to combat ongoing erosion and improve accessibility while minimizing visual impacts. The project was initiated urgently, with the municipality covering costs upfront, anticipating state support through the **Sustainable 2030 program**. 

The **Sustainable Operational Program 2030** has approved funding for **12 coastal protection projects**, totaling nearly **€20.2 million**, with €13.9 million coming from the **Cohesion Fund**. These projects are crucial for combating **coastal erosion**, adapting to **climate change**, and implementing sustainable solutions for Portugal's coastline. 

The Minister of Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, emphasized the government's commitment to creating a resilient coastline and ensuring the well-being of future generations. The funded interventions include various coastal rehabilitation efforts across Portugal, highlighting the importance of preserving natural heritage and enhancing local community resilience against climate challenges. 

**Funded interventions include:** 
- Analysis of cost-benefit for dune erosion protection at Estela 
- Rehabilitation of coastal structures in Ofir and Paramos 
- Structural repairs to the Lavadores coastline 
- Environmental impact studies for critical areas like Esmoriz and Furadouro 
- Stabilization projects for various beaches and cliffs along the coast.

Intervenções de proteção e de defesa do litoral

Exciting Environmental Projects Transforming Faro and Lagos Coastlines

### Lisbon Literary Festival 5L Returns with a Twist

The **Lisbon 5L Literary Festival** is set to return in **May 2025**, but this time it will be without an external artistic director. The **Lisbon City Hall (CML)** has decided to take the reins of the festival, which aims to promote the **Portuguese language**, literature, books, bookstores, and reading. This year's theme will be **"Culture and Innovation"**, and the festival will take place at the **Fábrica de Unicórnios** in the **Creative Hub of Beato**.

In response to inquiries regarding the artistic director position, which was supposed to be filled last year, the CML stated that the upcoming edition will be directed by the municipality through its **Municipal Library Network**. 

Originally planned for 2024, the festival was announced but later canceled just days before its scheduled date, with the format being **"rethought"** and postponed to the following year. Since its inception in **2020**, the artistic director was the late **José Pinho**, a well-known bookseller who passed away on **May 30, 2023**. Due to legal constraints regarding his public appointment, a new director could not be appointed immediately.

Despite earlier promises to open a competition for a new director in **June 2024**, this has not yet materialized. As of **May 3, 2024**, the festival's Instagram indicated that the 5L Festival will occur from **May 1 to 5, 2025**, with plans for a public competition for its artistic direction forthcoming. However, the CML has not provided any explanations regarding the delay in this process.

### Festival's Origins and Future Plans
The idea for a literary festival in Lisbon originated from a proposal by the **Communist Party** in **2018**, spearheaded by then-councilor **João Ferreira** and writer **Ana Margarida de Carvalho**. The CML approved the initiative and held a public competition resulting in José Pinho being appointed as director for three years. The festival's name, **5L**, signifies **Language, Literature, Books, Bookstores, and Reading**. 

Lisbon's Mayor **Carlos Moedas** has reassured that the festival will not be canceled, emphasizing that it will go on with a focus on **culture and innovation**, managed by the municipality's cultural department with various curators involved.

Depois da morte do livreiro José Pinho, a Câmara Municipal de Lisboa disse que ia abrir concurso para um novo director artístico, mas tal não aconteceu. Festival acontece em maio no Beato. 

Lisbon's Literary Festival 5L: A New Artistic Direction Amid Changes

### New Parishes on the Horizon

Seia has received **the green light** from parliamentary groups to potentially establish **three new parishes** on the 17th: **Seia**, **São Romão**, and **Lapa dos Dinheiros**. This decision is part of a larger initiative where **19 new parishes** are entering the final stretch of what is being termed the **"race for independence"**.

![New Parishes](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/xpmdmrhlgm7e.jpg?w=1852&q=80)

This approval adds to a growing list of **296 parishes** that are set to be approved by Parliament. These changes reflect ongoing discussions and community efforts aimed at enhancing local governance and representation.

### What’s Next?

With the new parishes emerging, there may be **more developments** on the horizon as communities engage in discussions about their future. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.

Como entregaram documentação em falta, entraram na lista de 296 que deverão ser aprovadas no Parlamento. Pode haver mais.

Discover the 19 New Parishes Joining Portugal's Independence Race – Are You Aware of Them?

### Tensions Within the Socialist Party

The **Socialist Party (PS)** is feeling the pressure as they deliberate on a candidate for **Lisbon** in the upcoming local elections. Internal polls are being conducted to identify a strong contender, as party members express **impatience** over the delays and hesitation shown by their leader, **Pedro Nuno Santos**. 

### Delays and Concerns

Santos initially aimed to finalize the candidate by the end of last year, but the process remains unresolved. Recent reports indicate that a **new opinion poll** was conducted late last year, raising concerns among party members about the lack of progress. As of now, no socialist has received an invitation from Santos to run in Lisbon.

### Competitive Landscape

Socialists are eager to challenge **Carlos Moedas**, who has a complicated record in office. One party official emphasized the need for **more information** to make a well-informed decision. Despite the ongoing discussions, some party leaders attempt to downplay the situation by referencing Moedas's own delayed candidacy announcement in 2021, asserting that similar timing is normal.

### Criticism and Speculation

The ongoing indecision has led to criticism from various quarters. Recently, an opinion piece by former minister **Pedro Adão e Silva** highlighted concerns that the delay in decision-making is undermining the party's ability to provide a credible opposition. Adão and Silva, closely associated with potential candidate **Mariana Vieira da Silva**, suggested that the current impasse could indicate that Santos is considering running himself, although this remains speculative.

### Conclusion

As the situation evolves, the PS is under pressure to finalize its candidate for Lisbon, with the internal dynamics and external critiques shaping the narrative around their electoral strategy.

Socialistas impacientes com escolha de Pedro Nuno Santos para concorrer em Lisboa. Temem que demora e hesitações já tenham fragilizado o nome que vier a concorrer à capital. 

Portugal Government Scraps Affordable Housing Requirement for Urban Development: What This Means

Summary:

Government Policy Change

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Lisbon's Literary Festival 5L: A New Artistic Direction Amid Changes

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