On March 25, SIC’s Jornal da Noite aired an investigative report on the proposed relocation of Luís de Camões Airport to the interior of the Campo de Tiro area, near Alcochete. The report included contributions from José Alves and Afonso Rocha, researchers at CESAM/DBio. Their input focused on the potential impacts of this relocation on the birdlife of the Tagus Estuary, one of Europe’s most important wetlands.
The proposal under review foresees a greater overlap between aircraft approach paths and the Tagus Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA). According to the researchers, this could significantly increase risks both to biodiversity conservation and to aviation safety. This protected area hosts thousands of birds annually, including migratory species that use the estuary as a key site for feeding, resting, and breeding.
During the report, José Alves highlighted the intensity and seasonal variability of bird movements in the region, noting that high concentrations of individuals at certain times of the year increase the likelihood of interactions with aircraft. He emphasized that the Tagus Estuary is a major hub within Western Europe’s migratory corridors, making it an ecologically sensitive area that requires careful assessment in any large-scale project.
Afonso Rocha, in turn, stressed the importance of understanding how birds use the space, particularly in terms of flight routes and behavior, warning of potential changes resulting from the introduction of such infrastructure. He pointed out that shifts in land use may lead to species displacement, habitat alterations, and cumulative impacts that are not always immediately visible but may compromise the ecological balance of the region.
The contributions of CESAM/DBio researchers highlight the need to integrate specialized scientific knowledge into decision-making processes related to major infrastructure projects, especially when they affect protected areas. Assessing potential impacts on birdlife is therefore essential to ensuring solutions that balance development with nature conservation.
Full report available here.