Tangerine plantation approved in protected Alentejo wetland after four attempts

A 259.7-hectare tangerine plantation by developer Expoente Frugal (Aquaterra group) has been conditionally approved in Alcácer do Sal, within the Comporta-Galé protected area, after three previous rejections. ICNF and APA reversed earlier objections following repeated reductions to the project, despite acknowledging risks to protected habitats and groundwater. The geology laboratory LNEG warns land subsidence shows the aquifer is already being over-extracted, and 384 of 387 public submissions opposed the plan. Approval carries over 100 mitigation measures, but Alcácer do Sal council and campaigners maintain their objections and plan to keep challenging the decision.