Local Residents Launch Petition Against New Golf Course in Faial
Faial residents oppose the golf project. By October 22, 2025, a petition had collected more than 100 signatures. The petition disapproves the spending of money on yet another golf course instead of other local needs. Organizers have not said if any political parties support the petition.
José Freitas says that he already has more than a hundred signatures and assures that the initiative does not have support from any political parties.
Meanwhile, in Faial, a resident is promoting a petition to oppose the construction of golf courses in the municipality of Santana.
The document will later be submitted to the authorities, although it has not yet been decided to whom.
The Real Impact of Golf Tourism on Madeira
There are plenty of reasons why Madeira, which already has three golf courses (plus the one in Porto Santo), does not need more. This adds to common problems such as lacking infrastructure and a general loss of purchasing power.
More so-called ‘high quality tourism’ will not improve life on the island but simply create more low paid jobs without any real career opportunities and increase immigration from countries that provide workers that can be exploited. At the same time, land and real estate prices are going to increase, making it even harder for people to sustain on the island.
Unsustainable Water Consumption
Golf courses are notorious for their high water usage. For instance, an 18-hole golf course in Spain may consume between 200,000 to 400,000 liters of water daily.
Chemical Runoff and Pollution
The use of pesticides and fertilizers on golf courses can lead to runoff, contaminating nearby water sources and harming aquatic life. This pollution can disrupt local ecosystems and affect biodiversity.
Displacement of Local Communities
The development of golf courses can lead to the displacement of local communities, disrupting their way of life and leading to potential social conflicts.
Increased Soil Erosion
The construction of golf courses often involves altering the landscape, which can lead to increased soil erosion. Given Madeira's mountainous terrain, this could pose a risk to the island's ecosystems.
Economic Viability Concerns
Many golf courses struggle to attract enough visitors to remain financially viable. This can lead to underutilized facilities and wasted resources.
Miguel de Sousa: Faial Only Suitable Site in Madeira for 18-Hole Golf Course
Miguel de Souza, a project supporter, close to president Albuquerque, said that “The Faial area is exceptional. No other site in Madeira offers these conditions.”
Madeira already has three golf courses. According to de Souza,Santo da Serra, Palheiro, and Ponta do Pargo, all built for reasons other than the land’s suitability. De Souza said Faial is the only area where a high-quality course could be built (!). The reasons according to Sousa:
Santo da Serra: Built because the British had summer houses there, not because it was ideal terrain for golf.
Palheiro: Developed as part of a deal linked to building a missile base for military exercises.
Ponta do Pargo: The reason is unclear; de Sousa says, “God knows why it was built there,” implying there was no clear practical or strategic reason for its location.
Project Supporters Emphasize Public Investment, Safety, and Tourism Potential
Supporters say the golf course would be a public investment that brings money back to the community. De Souza explained that the Ribeira de Faial river would be canalized to prevent flooding. “By channeling the stream, it is possible to develop a project in that area safely, without problems,” he said. He also said the golf course is meant to attract tourists, who would stay, eat, and shop in Faial. Supporters believe that without such projects, the area will have fewer economic opportunities.
Sources:
RTP Madeira
RTP Madeira
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