The fight against invasive plants is one of the priorities of PAN Madeira (People-Animals-Nature Party), in the context of protecting native ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. In this sense, “PAN Madeira, as a member of the working group of the Regional Forest Management Plan of the AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MADEIRA (PROF-RAM), is committed to acting decisively in this matter.”
Within the scope of the 2024 Budget, “PAN Madeira was able to allocate 21,500 euros to the ‘Plantar o Futuro’ project, aimed at reforestation with native species. In addition, the allocation of a transport supplement to the Forest Police, professionals who play an essential role in monitoring and intervention in protected areas, was ensured.”
In the press statement, the party said:
“PAN Madeira will continue to defend the protection and expansion of critical and sensitive areas of our ecosystems. In this sense, we proposed the Preservation of Critical and Sensitive Areas, with the protection of the Zambujal (wild olive) along the south coast, the Laurissilva forest in the valleys, and the high-altitude heath and vegetation in the mountain massif, as being fundamental for the maintenance of our natural wealth.
PAN Madeira advocates incisive action to protect and expand these areas, actively combating the presence of invasive species that threaten ecological balance. We also advocate the creation of Buffer Zones for reforestation and renaturalization in areas where invasive plants are more widespread, creating zones for use by silvopastoral practice (the managed integration of trees, pasture, and grazing in the same space).”
According to Válter Ramos, deputy spokesperson for PAN Madeira, “Madeira has an undeniable responsibility to protect its unique ecosystems. The fight against invasive plants is one of the most critical challenges for the preservation of our biodiversity and to ensure that future generations can enjoy our Laurissilva forest, the Zambujais, and the high-altitude heathers to the fullest.
PAN Madeira is fully committed to implementing concrete and effective actions to achieve this goal, having actively contributed to the reforestation and monitoring of the success rates of our plantations, which currently comprise 1000 with a further 2000 left to plant.”
PAN Madeira believes that, with everyone’s involvement and continuous investment, it will be possible to preserve the ecosystems that define us, and that, are essential to our identity and environmental sustainability.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
