Dear supporters and friends
Some feedback. We have now got involved with assisting communities that are at the risk of onshore Fracking in the Pombal and Batalha regions, with drilling planned for 2019 in the Bajouca and Aljubarrota parishes.
In addition we keep on fighting in court the threat of deep offshore drilling by Galp/ENI.
As we have been warning and advising for months, Galp/ENI have not cancelled their contracts to drill in the Aljezur offshore. Although the Saipem 12000 - the commissioned drill ship is now on the way to Mauritius we are glad to say. We glad to see it leaving. This means that they will not drill early in 2019.
What we predict is that as their TUPEM licence expires on 10 January 2019, and their contracts on 31 January, is that they will apply and get an extension to their contracts, and that they will then reapply for a new TUPEM licence shortly thereafter. But they also appear to have a Plan B already in place. Which we are of the opinion will be put into action, if all else fails – as there are clear indications that they may use the University of Algarve as a front to proceed. You can read more about it here:
Regarding our court actions, the latest argument was received on Friday 7 December. Since June our legal team has had to analyse and contest thousands of pages of arguments (its now grown to over 17 - A4 files filled to the brim) … and they keep on coming with more and more technicalities and bizarre arguments in an attempt to exhaust our financial resources, not to mention wasting the court’s time and taxpayers money.
BUT BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THEY HAVE NOT DRILLED IN 2018 – NOW WE HAVE TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT DRILL IN 2019 TOO.
So far, and thankfully with your help we have managed to pay most of our legal campaign costs, but every month we receive new accounts that has to be paid. Unlike many others that are fighting legal battles to save our environment and protect our human rights, we are just a single, and small association that has taken the fight head on. As a result, we once again need your help with funding this legal action – as ASMAA is once again running nearly on empty.
We have warned that the costs would escalate, and we were right. The accounts that are now due for both cases are:
9/11/2018 615,00€
30/11/2018 5187,75€
Green Slips Income Tax (Legal) = 1296,93€
Total: 7099,68€
Less (paid) 615,00€
Total due: 6 484,68€
The reality is that we once again have to raise 3000,00€ by no later than Friday the 14 December 2018, and the balance of 3484,68€ by 11 January 2019.
Its Christmas, and we appeal to your festive spirit to assist us once again. If each and every one of YOU donates even a small amount we will raise the needed funds. We are counting on YOU once again to help us raise it.
How much should you donate? We leave it to you to decide, based on how important this risk is to you and to your family, as well as what you can spare from your budget.
If you can’t assist, its ok, then we request that you ask your circle of friends and family members if they can help with a small donation each.
You can donate via PayPal (including credit card payments): info@asmaa-algarve.org or through the donate button on our website: http://asmaa-algarve.org/en/donate
Or via Bank Transfer (EFT) - BANK: SANTANDER TOTTA (LAGOS ALGARVE)
ASMAA Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association
IBAN: PT50 0018 0008 02686698020 51
REF: ANTI OIL&GAS – LEGAL CAMPAIGN
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MANIFESTATION CALLED FOR ON 21 DECEMBER FROM 10H00 IN FRONT OF PORTUGUESE PARLIEAMENT IN LISBON
On that day we will be supporting three major proposals brought forward by Bloco de Esquerda, the Greens and PAN.
All the proposals if accepted and passed on that day will bring major changes to the anti-oil campaigns. We hoping that the other parties in government will see the light, and we invite you to join us.
Articles in Portuguese only.
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AUSTRALIS OIL & GAS FRACKING THREAT IN BAJOUCA & ALJUBARROTA
On 30 November we were in Bajouca supporting the local communities. More than 400 people attended the session organised by local concerned citizens. We will continue to support them in their endeavours to stop Fracking from happening in their communities.
We have created a category that provides loads of information on our site about the threats in those regions. Here’s the link. http://asmaa-algarve.org/en/batalha-pombal
Kind regards
Laurinda Seabra and the rest of the team
ASMAA- ALGARVE SURF AND MARINE ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
Celebrating the pristine beauty of the Algarve and helping preserve it for the future.
NIPC: 510381952
ADDRESS: Rua Dr. Alberto Iria, Lote 12, R/C Esquerdo. 8600-580 Lagos Portugal
TELEPHONE: +351 282 182 103
MOBILE: +351 969 320 231
EMAIL: info@asmaa-algarve.org
ASMAA OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://asmaa-algarve.org
ASMAA OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asmaaalgarve