A few days from the XNUMXst Congress of the Association of Municipalities Terras do Infante, which will take place on Saturday, March 23, in Lagos, the Sul Informação interviewed Maria Joaquina Matos, mayor of Lagos and also of that association of municipalities.
The mayor defends the importance of the Sea for the economy and well-being of the three municipalities that make up the Terras do Infante – Lagos, Aljezur and Vila do Bispo – thus explaining the reason for choosing this theme for the first edition of the magna meeting.
He also talks about the importance of collaboration with the University of Algarve and the common projects that Terras do Infante has in hand.
Sul Informação (SI) – Why was the theme of MAR chosen for this XNUMXst Congress of Terras do Infante?
Maria Joaquina Matos (MJM) - The geostrategic position of the territory corresponding to the area of influence of Terras do Infante has the Sea as one of its main assets. It is a unifying element between the three Municipalities that make up the Association. The “Vicentine Triangle” is closely linked to the Sea!
It is therefore important to communicate, reflect and discuss the Sea as a generator of employment, promoter of the regional and national economy, on the one hand. On the other hand, do the same exercise in relation to the decisive role that our coastal areas play in the well-being and quality of life of our residents and those who visit us.
In short, the Sea as the theme of this I Congress of the Lands of Infante also results from the awareness of the need to debate this issue seriously, involving the main actors and promoting the articulation between sectors, so that, each time more, we can paddle in an integrated way and sail with a defined course.
It is important to understand and always consider the opportunities, challenges and threats that the sea and the ocean respect.
SI – The Congress has been organized in partnership with the University of Algarve. What is the reason for this partnership? What advantages?
MJM - It was, from the beginning, a condition that we considered indispensable and that we imposed on ourselves, due to the knowledge that the University of the Algarve has, that it produces and communicates. Because UAlg is a reference in academic terms, which is sometimes forgotten, endowed with a unique faculty, whether in training or in research.
This partnership provides the Congress with indispensable scientific support, and simultaneously contributes to the dissemination of the very valid work being done at the University of the Algarve and its various research centers, as well as its applicability in various economic sectors, with gains for the community.
Then, because we found it in the person of the Magnificent Rector, Prof. Dr. Paulo Águas, all availability, interest and the same will as us.
SI – What is the importance that the three municipalities of Terras do Infante attribute to the theme of the Sea and the Blue Economy?
MJM - We have always been concerned with sustainability in its various domains and aspects. Water, sea and oceans are no exception.
We believe in the intelligent use and sustainable use of natural resources, without harming ecosystems. We believe that the so-called “Blue Economy” will be able to generate solutions that go in this direction, on the one hand benefiting and safeguarding the environment, on the other hand, satisfying the basic needs that human beings face on a daily basis.
We are well aware that it is a difficult balance, so we also wanted to put all these variables into equation.
From the standpoint of investment and affirmation of new tourist products, attention should be paid, for example, to surfing (with special expression in the municipalities of Vila do Bispo and Aljezur), to birdwatching (which Vila do Bispo has so well been able to promote and whose main attraction resides in its coastline) or the maritime-tourist ones (which in Lagos have proliferated, representing today one of the main attractions of the destination).
In this Congress, we will notice, for example, very particularly, the potential that the canning industry has already represented, we will get to know a new project that reaches Lagos and this sub-region, (capable of generating 100 new direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, in a global investment of 16 million euros). And we will also talk about what we propose to do, in partnership with the University, after the congress.
This Congress must, therefore, constitute the seed of a broad process that will continue over time, which will generate positive changes, with meaning and impact on the sustainability of the sea and on people's lives. That it brings a heightened awareness of the need to protect and enhance the sea, as well as the commitment of the various actors to the activities that are urgently needed in the areas of environmental education, water sports, research, the involvement of companies and related associations to the sector, of planning, of biodiversity, of the tourist offer, of artisanal fishing, of fishing and recreational ports, of the coordination of means and competences.
SI – One of the highlights of the Congress will be the tribute to Professor Mário Ruivo, who recently died. Why did you choose to honor him?
MJM - Professor Mário Ruivo was a unique man! One of the greatest figures ever at national and international level when it comes to knowledge, defense and sustainable development and “governance of the oceans” is concerned. Furthermore, a “militant” humanist of incomparable altruism.
It is the recognition of merit and attests to our ability to know how to recognize excellence and know how to value the people whose paths in life can inspire us. He very much deserves this tribute, which is also the tribute of the entire Algarve to this great oceanographer.
SI – Is it expected that the Minister of the Sea, who is coming to close the Congress, will bring any news or make an announcement?
MJM - It will be an honor and a privilege that this XNUMXst Congress be closed by the Minister of the Sea Ana Paula Vitorino.
We don't exactly expect any news or announcement! His coming is, in itself, a positive discrimination factor for these three municipalities, which we appreciate and register.
Even so, and as an example, it is with expectation that we are awaiting news about the silting of Barra de Lagos.
SI – Does this Congress mark a new phase for the Association of Municipalities Terras do Infante? Will there be more public intervention? What other projects are underway?
MJM - Undoubtedly, because in fact this is what we want: to foster inter-municipality between Aljezur, Lagos and Vila do Bispo, in the light of our statutes.
Over these 18 years of existence and operation, the Association has acquired a maturity that encourages us to seek new ways of cooperation and institutional articulation.
Whenever it imposes itself and we consider it justifiable, thinking, acting, solving and taking joint positions will have a common denominator: the Association of Municipalities Terras do Infante. It is therefore expected that both public and political intervention will be increasingly concerted and constant.
Proof of this is the Strategic Plan in public tender, which will determine a methodical, realistic and operational Action Plan for an action focused on solving the problems of the populations of our municipalities, particularly in the strategic priorities of this territory, sectoral objectives and projects/actions to be developed in all fields.
Another project already underway concerns the redevelopment of the former “Casa dos Cantoneiros/JAE” at the top of the Espinhaço de Cão mountain range, into a Strategic Fire Fighting Equipment Parking Site and respective Brigade, a fact that will be constituted as more. a decisive response in detecting, monitoring, and fighting forest fires.
And in May, we will organize the XNUMXst Intermunicipal Forum on Education.
Basically, we intend, from now on, to strengthen inter-municipal cooperation, fostering and nurturing added value initiatives in order to concentrate synergies and gains of common interest.
SI – Aren't you afraid that this initiative of the Association of Municipalities Terras do Infante may be seen by the other mayors of the Algarve as “competition” with AMAL?
MJM - (Laughter) No! At all! There is no “competition” that this Association can make to the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve, not least because this question would never arise. Each one has its scope!
We will be the Association of Municipalities Terras do Infante!
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