The impunity with which Ametller Origen is acting for the construction of the Agroparc in Gelida has reached an incredible point. From the platformStopAgroparc, we want to inform you of the new actions we have taken to stop what we consider a genuine attack on the territory and biodiversity.
The deception of the Talaia path: from "arrangement" to total destruction
At the beginning of December, we saw how the public path connectingthe Talaia with the Ferreria. The signs indicated that it was simply "maintenance work", an excuse that has turned out to be a blatant lie.
The reality is disheartening: on 14 December we confirmed that the path was not being repaired, but has been completely cancelled and deeply excavated with heavy machinery. Where there was a historic path, there is now a huge pit, and the surrounding forest mass has been torn out without any regard.
This action is particularly serious because:
- They have literally crossed, once again, a "Red Line": The Strategic Environmental Declaration (DAE) of the Agroparc project explicitly prohibits acting on this path, marked precisely with a red line on the official plans. What is the Strategic Environmental Declaration (DAE)? It is the final and binding document that is prepared as a result of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process. It includes all the conclusions of the assessment, the conditions, and the preventive, corrective, and compensatory measures that must be incorporated.
- They have ignored, once again, the protection of the eagle: This path is located in the heart of the main feeding area of the Bonelli's eagle, a speciesendangered. The DAE clearly stated that this path could not be touched until it was scientifically proven that the eagles could survive without this area, which has not been done.
On the other hand, as we have already informed (Red alert in Gelida), Ametller Origen is systematically ignoring the reports of the Fauna and Flora Service of the Generalitat. The facts are scandalous:
- On 3 October, the Generalitat ruled that the works had to stop, as they are already causing a "critical impact" on the eagles and are incompatible with their conservation.
- On 6 October, the Rural Agents and the Mossos arrived at the works to order their stoppage, but the project management refused to stop claiming that everything was legal.
- On 8 October a new report from the Generalitat reiterated the critical impact on the eagles.
- Since then, despite the irreversible risk of wiping out the pair of eagles in Gelida, the works continue at a frantic pace.
For all this, on 19 December we have submitted two complaints to the Regional Environmental Unit (URMA) of the Mossos d'Esquadra, where we request:
- That the urgent stoppage of the works be declared immediately urgent halt of the works of cancellation and excavation on the public path from Talaia to Ferreria, given the risk of critical and irreversible impact on the Bonelli's eagle.
- The opening of a thorough investigation into the reported events for possible environmental crime..
- To the immediate restoration of the functionality of the public path, returning it to its state prior to the excavation and cancellation.
- That the corresponding administrative file be initiated for the destruction of a public use and service asset and the excavation carried out in a section protected by the DAE/EAE.
We have also submitted instances to the Gelida Town Council and the Generalitat,, denouncing the destruction of the protected path of Talaia, demanding the immediate halt of the works and the restoration of the public path.
The Agroparc is sold as a sustainable project, but the reality of machines excavating over protected habitats shows us the opposite. Justice is slow, but it will come.
We will continue to fight by all means and in the courts.
