Dear friends / Caros amigos Many of you would like to know more about ASMAA, we've written a brief article about us to bring you up to date. http://www.asmaa-algarve.org/en/news/what-s-new/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-asmaa Muitos de vocês gostavam de saber mais sobre a nossa associação - a ASMAA. Neste artigo vocês podem actualisar-vos. (O artigo está em inglês mas pode ser traduzido para PT atravez do Google - carrega na bandeira portuguesa depois de carregares no link em baixo - está no lado direito do nosso site) http://www.asmaa-algarve.org/en/news/what-s-new/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-asmaa ********************************************************************** ULTIMAS NOTICIAS / LATEST NEWS 5 years of fight by ASMAA against oil drilling in the Algarve appears to finally get some great results, and although I am deeply moved and grateful by the announcement in Diario de Noticias posted on the 14th December about the intention of the government to rescind the Portfuel contracts, and the intention to rescind at least one of Partex/Repsol’s contracts for non-compliance, I am also still deeply concerned because the Galp/ENI contracts are still in force and whether this action affects all the other contracts in force in Portugal currently. What this decision by the government really tells me is that the government wants to appear to back off, probably due to fears of negative impacts on upcoming municipal elections by our proposed people’s run local referendum early in 2017, and the massive public outcry generated by all the activists, mayors, groups on the ground ... But we must not forget that there are 9 contracts in force in the Algarve, and 15 in total nacionally. We also need to keep in mind that nothing stops them (government) from issuing new concession tenders nor signing new contracts in the future, and as a result we must not be fooled that it's all over. Because the fight is not over yet … it’s just a step in the right direction. We may have won one small battle but not the anti-fossil fuel drilling war yet. Think you will like to know that our petition objecting to GALP/ENI drilling in Aljezur has been now finally accepted by the Portuguese Parlieament and will be debated soon. You can see its progress here (PT) http://www.parlamento.pt/ActividadeParlamentar/Paginas/DetalhePeticao.aspx?BID=12817 A luta continua! *************************************************************** PETRÓLEO E GÁS EM PORTUGAL: QUANTOS CONTRATOS NO ALGARVE FORAM REALMENTE CANCELADOS? http://www.asmaa-algarve.org/en/news/noticias/petroleo-e-gas-em-portugal-quantos-contratos-no-algarve-foram-realmente-cancelados ******************************************************************* Now, more than ever, your support matters. Support our campaign to keep fossil fuels in the ground, have the current oil and gas exploration contracts cancelled or rescinded, old laws replaced by new laws that sees Portugal positioned as a leader in alternative energies instead of going back to the dark ages in this late stage of the oil exploration game. We ask that you make a tax-deductible financial gift today. Donate now to help us to keep on running our campaigns in 2017. Option 1 The simplest form is to make your donation online using your Paypal account, or your credit or debit card. We are thankfull for whatever amount you donate, be it 25€, 50€, 100€, 250€, 500€ ... or any other amount that you feel is justified and you can afford to part with. info@asmaa-algarve.org http://www.asmaa-algarve.org/en/donate REF: Say NO to Oil Option 2 Alternativly you can donate directly into our bank account by bank transfer. Banco: SANTANDER TOTTA Conta: ASMAA Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association IBAN: PT50 0018 0008 02686698020 51 SWIFT: TOTAPTPL ********************************************************************* BRING TESLA GIGA FACTORY TO PORTUGAL OPEN LETTER TO ELON MUSK NOW REACHED OVER 2500 SIGNATURES if you haven't signed it yet, please do so now. If you've signed - thank you - can you share it please? https://www.change.org/p/elon-musk-select-portugal-for-tesla-s-new-gigafactory-open-letter-to-elon-musk If we don't chat before Christmas day, we wish you and your family a fun and loving day. Se não falar-mos antes do Natal, desejos de um Bom Natal para si e a sua familia. Ate breve / Cheers ASMAA TEAM