Quercus Issues Strong Warning on New Golf Projects in Madeira
In a statement dated November 21, 2025, the Madeira Regional Branch of Quercus said it is “greatly concerned” about the expansion and construction of new golf courses. The message, signed by Elsa Araújo, argued that the regional government is choosing golf over more urgent environmental and social needs.
It is an activity that is to the economy what a medicine is to a health problem – in the right dose, it solves; in excess, it becomes toxic and can even be fatal! The choice cannot be all or nothing. It must be an optimized dose!
Quercus, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Quercus said this pattern “reveals a lack of common sense,” linking its criticism to what it sees as a broader failure to set clear public priorities. This opening claim prepares the ground for the group’s wider objections to the way golf is funded and promoted.
We believe that this choice of public investment in golf, in the regional and global context, reveals a lack of common sense on the part of the regional government
Quercus, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Group Says Tourism Is at Record Levels Yet Golf Still Needs Subsidies
Quercus questioned why golf continues to depend on government support at a time when regional tourism is hitting record levels and responsible for a major part of the regional GDP. According to the group, investment in golf does not attract private initiative autonomously, without government assistance.
The association said that even tournament prize money is subsidy-dependent, arguing this shows that the sport cannot operate independently despite the strong tourism cycle. This point connects directly to the group’s claim that public money is being steered toward a leisure activity that does not sustain itself.
It's surprising. that investing in golf, so widely touted as having a guaranteed return, is unable to entice the private sector to move forward on its own, without the government welfare programs, at a time when regional tourism is hitting record levels. profits and has a significant dimension, responsible for a major part of the regional GDP. Even the prize money from the tournaments is subsidy-dependent!
Quercus, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Golf Prize Money Called “Subsidy-Dependent” Despite Sector’s Regional Importance
Quercus found it “surprising” that golf, often presented as a secure investment, still relies on public programs even as tourism brings in higher profits.
This argument supports Quercus’s view that the golf sector, while visible, does not justify the financial support it receives. The group linked this concern to the need for public investment in essential services rather than in sports facilities that require ongoing assistance.
The environmental group also criticizes the urban development pressure on agricultural land, considering "the promotion of golf courses and associated real estate in areas suitable for agriculture to be criminal," and warns of future food security risks.
Quercus Calls Golf Real Estate in Agricultural Areas “Criminal”
Quercus criticized the promotion of golf courses and associated real estate in areas suitable for agriculture, calling the practice “criminal” and warning of future food security risks. The group said these land choices weaken long-term planning and ignore the value of agricultural zones.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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