Major degradation issues due to the use of natural resources
The major degradation problem is related to the heavy rainfall events during the wet season, capable of producing large amounts of erosion and thereby causing enormous quantities of bedload. Due to the construction of a small dam in the Poilão area (2/3 on the way to the sea), which cuts the water movement downstream, the terrains close to the sea are suffering a strong salinisation process. The overexploitation of the aquifers, through over pumping of wells, has led to seawater intrusion, causing the salinization of irrigation water in the valleys bottom. Salinity is affecting soil and water quality up to about 2.5 km from the coast towards the valley bottom of Ribeira Seca.
The intensive cultivation of unsuitable slopes, without replenishment of nutrients, has led to soil fertility decline, with consequences for productivity.
