An experimental project started last Monday at Vereda das 25 Fontes, in Rabaçal, where the Instituto de Florestas, had a man on site to count the number of tourists visiting the area. They are now looking at introducing an entry charge, similar to the one that is already in place at Cais do Sardinha.
Later on, the former president of the Regional Government of Madeira, Alberto João Jardim, rebelled against the introduction of a ‘nature tax’ on some of the island’s popular natural beauty sites. Taking to Twitter the ex President said:
“AGAINST paying to enjoy Nature in my land, where millions are advertised for this and that. INFRASTRUCTURE and DISCIPLINARY, the recipe. Precedent?…Highways, city centre circulation, ecotax, overnight stay, etc?… Be sensible!”
It should be noted that the introduction of fees is dividing Madeiran society into a wide number of diverse emotions and opinions.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
