Rio Sabor / Mogadouro

The Platform SABOR LIVRE opposes construction of the Baixo Sabor dam because: 1: The area of influence of the Baixo Sabor dam has unique ecological value and is irreplaceable. 2: The environmental impacts of large dams are too high and irreversible (e.g. destruction of ecosystems of great importance, extinction and substantial reduction of migratory and resident fish, respectively, contamination of water reserves, retention of sediments and nutrients, etc.). Moreover, large dams have a very short life span (between 50 and 70 years) so their construction should be avoided at all cost. 3: It is urgent to define and implement a national energy plan that gives priority to incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energies 4: Genuine adoption of the principles underlying the Kyoto Protocol demands that a reduction of CO2 emissions in Portugal be obtained through implementing a combination of cost-efficient and previously studied measures within the industry, transport and housing sectors. Options such as incentives for renewable energy, energy conservation, and expansion of the electric grid could eliminate the need for construction of new large dams. 5: The ecological importance of the Sabor river valley amply justifies its classification as a protected area of national and international interest.