Abstract

BASTOS, Maria Rosário; DIAS, João A.; BAPTISTA, Manuela  and  BATISTA, Carla. Human Occupation of Littoral of Alentejo, Portugal: past and present. RGCI [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.1, pp.99-116. ISSN 1646-8872.

The littoral of Alentejo is one of the last strongholds of wild coast in Europe. In the Past, its adverse natural (e.g., geological, oceanographic)characteristics not encouraged human occupation with much relevance. In general, this coastal stretch is widely exposed to the Atlantic high energy waves, strong winds, corsair and pirate sea attacks, besides soils are often very poor. These and other factors contributed to human populations were not attracted by the generality of this coast. Settlements were preferentially concentrated in sheltered coasts (estuaries) where favorable conditions for fishing agriculture and salt production did exist: this means mainly the Sado and Mira Estuaries. The occupation of sheltered areas dates back to pre-Roman times, having been gradually reinforced by the advancement of Reconquista (reoccupation by Christians of territories conquered by Islam some centuries ago). The need for occupation of the recently conquered territories was reinforced by the concern over the corsair and pirate sea attacks. In parallel with the territory pacification and defence there was a progressive population growth (up to centuries XIV-XV). The increase in population has brought new economic needs, particularly in agriculture (with the ensuing deforestation and increasing demand for essential goods like fish and salt). The increase in demand has led to an intensification of trade, mainly carried out by sea. The period of Philippine domain (1580 e 1640) was equally relevant to the Alentejo’s coast . At that time, the defence of Portugal became more focused on the marine borders than on land (for fear of Dutch and English sea attacks). Neither the fashion of “go to sea bathing” (found in many coastal areas of Europe from the mid-18th century) nor the Portuguese tourism growth (especially in the Algarve coast, in 60s of last century), reflected in a significant occupation increase of Alentejo costal zone. The classification of this area as “Protected Landscape Area” (1988) and later on as a “Natural Park” (1995) allowed the continuation of some human rarefaction in this zone. However, some strong touristic occupation does exist, which is mainly concentrated in protected coasts (Sado and Mira estuaries and Bay of Sines, and their expansion areas). At the beginning of the 21th century the adoption of new legislation allowing the development of Projects of National Interest (PIN) if large investments (millions of euros) are guaranteed can lead to a reverse in a situation resulting from many centuries of history. Some of these touristic projects have already been approved. If coastal management agencies do not have enough careful and precaution actuation, and if short-term economic interests win over natural heritage values, sustainable development of this whole coastal area is at risk. This can lead to the disappearance of the last bastion of the wild coast of southern Europe.

Keywords : Littoral of Alentejo; sheltered coast; anthropization; coast management.

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