On July 6, PhD students in Global Development and Sustainability, accompanied by the course coordinator, went on a study visit to the Ribeira do Palmarejo Grande. The purpose of the visit was to assess the area's landscape values as a possible leisure and sports area for students from universities and schools based nearby. The variety of the landscape, from vegetable gardens to forest and a small gorge that flows into a charming beach, confirmed the hypothesis of the area's usefulness as a possible sports park and green lung for the city of Praia.

Unfortunately, in-loco observation led to the identification of several pathologies related to uncontrolled growth. These include the proliferation of clandestine construction without sanitation infrastructures, the degradation of the beach and the accumulation of tons of garbage in the riverbed. The imminence of the rains aggravates the risk of uncontrolled flooding which, in addition to material damage and even loss of human life, can carry plastic waste into the sea, causing irreversible damage.

In conclusion, it can be said that sometimes we find surprises very close to home.  The Ribeira de Palmarejo Grande, located near two university campus, resembles no man's land and, despite its great scenic values, is also a reason for our social and environmental concern.