The rise of the sea level in Praia do Forte Novo, in Quarteira, in the Algarve, according to Executive Digest, showcased the vulnerability of the shore, where there are building worth more than a million euros.
The situation became worse, following the storms that hit the region, namely in Quarteira and Vale do Lobo. Therefore, the alert was risen as the area has not had any maintenance work, on coastal protection, for more than a decade. According to Correio da Manhã, quoted by Executive Digest, there are recent construction, which safety depends directly on the sea conditions.
In the last days, the sand in Praia do Forte Novo has disappeared in an extension of, approximately two kilometres. The strong waving cleared the shore that protected the cliffs, therefore various structures were exposed to the direct action of the sea.
According to Correio da Manhã, drone captured images can showcase the reduced distance between the water line and the building nestled close to the shore. The same media outlet has also reported that there was a restaurant being sustained with wood stakes only.
High value property
According to Executive Digest, among the construction exposed to danger, there are building with estimated values between one and three million euros. These infrastructures are located in an area where coastal erosion has, progressively and continuously, advancing.
The last artificial sanding of the beach happened 15 years ago, and since then no other interventions were made, even though the continuous alerts of the shore protection necessity.
The location of Praia do Forte Novo also contributes to the problem, as highlighted by Executive Digest. The beach is located in an area that is far from the urban area, without the protection of infrastructures that can ease the impact of the waves force.
In this area, there are mainly short and soft cliffs, which are frequently hit by the sea, being common to observe trees with their roots exposed, showing the progressive lost of coastal territory.
Transition area
Forte Novo is like a transition area between the urban area of Quarteira and Vilamoura and a more natural area, with the presence of pine trees and coastal lagoons. This natural phenomenon makes the local sensitive to the changes in coastal balance.
On the west part of the area, the density of the construction contrasts with the fragility of the territory in the east part, where the sea pressure may be felt with greater intensity. The reduction of the shore width has been constantly registered in the shore line.
Experts and municipalities have been alerting for the necessity of urgent interventions in the area, and the actual scenario reinforces the perception that, without containment measures, the rise of sea level may compromise the built patrimony.
Nevertheless, the Praia do Forte Novo is still accessible either by car or walking.