Last Sunday, the 16th of April, 50 people, mostly foreign residents, took part in a clean-up operation in the Old Town, Funchal.
According to a statement, this initiative, organised by Nómadas Digitais/Madeira Friends in partnership with the Municipality of Funchal and VMT Madeira, met at the Funchal Fitness Park next to the cable car, from which beach cleaning mission from the cable car to São Tiago began, and also that of the gardens.
According to organisers, the rubbish comprised cigarette butts, miscellaneous plastic, some metals, and glass bottles.
Every Saturday, at 10 am, the group, often reaching 50 people, train in the area and then swim afterwards. It was after seeing all the rubbish left in the park and on the beach that they decided to get together and hold a beach cleaning initiative.
This action intended to draw attention to the importance of keeping Funchal clean, especially in a year where tourism is already reaching unprecedented highs.
“The reputation of the island has to be maintained, preserved and small actions like this, in community, make a difference and set the right example for everyone,” said a spokesperson for Madeira Friends.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
