Eduardo Jesus answered the questions of the deputies, recalling that Madeira is the only tourist region in the country with a study on the limit of beds and reinforced environmental protection mechanisms.
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture answered questions about fees, municipal, and the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), recalling that, in the first case, the “accounts” must be requested from the municipalities. In the case of the IFCN, it ensures that the revenue is consigned to nature conservation.
Several deputies, including Sara Madalena of the CDS, raised questions about the excess of tourists on walking routes and places of greater tourist attraction, with an increase in risks and environmental damage.
Eduardo Jesus confirmed that “there is an intention to increase the offer of access to natural spaces,” to diversify the options, but there will also be a “redefinition” of access models. There will be a “reorganisation of tourist spaces,” namely in mobility to the locations.
The Regional Secretary considers it important to “discipline behaviours,” as happened in places with greater access, such as Pico do Areeiro and Ribeiro Frio.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
