Maria da Graça Carvalho made the remarks to journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new Water Reuse Station (ApR) in Vilamoura, in the municipality of Loulé, Faro district, when asked about the controversy over beach umbrellas in front of concession areas on beaches across the Algarve.

Minister recommendation

She explained that the creation of these maps stems from a recommendation she made, rather than a legal requirement.

"The map was my recommendation; it is not mandated by law," she stated, adding that she had presented the proposal during a meeting with the mayors of municipalities where the most issues regarding this matter have occurred.

According to her, the mayors welcomed the suggestion and expressed their willingness to implement it.

"I believe [the information maps] will help a great deal," she maintained.

Difficult to implement

The Minister acknowledged that physical signage on beaches "is difficult to implement, as it would be necessary to mark not only the longitudinal extent of the concession areas but also their seaward boundaries."

The Environment Minister reiterated today the need to place information maps on beaches to clarify the layout of concession zones, noting that the measure would help avoid disputes regarding the placement of beach umbrellas.

Maria da Graça Carvalho was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new Water Reuse Station (ApR) in Vilamoura—located in the municipality of Loulé, in the Faro district—when asked about the controversy surrounding the placement of beach umbrellas in front of concession areas on various beaches in the Algarve region.