Three English tourists were intercepted yesterday by the Forest Police for camping outside the authorised areas, in Fanal. According to a press release, the Forest Police spoke to them and sent the group to an official campsite.
The action is part of the set of inspection operations that the IFCN has been reinforcing with the aim of ensuring compliance with the environmental standards in force in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. “Fanal, located in the heart of the Laurissilva — a UNESCO world natural heritage site — is one of the most sensitive and protected areas of the archipelago, which requires a high degree of vigilance and responsibility in its use,” adds the IFCN.
The campers had authorisation to camp, but were not in the agreed place, so it constitutes an irregularity. “The intervention of the Forest Police made it possible to avoid further environmental damage and ensured compliance with the rules that regulate the occupation of natural spaces.”
Camping outside the authorised areas, even with a license, jeopardises the integrity of ecosystems and contradicts the principles of a sustainable enjoyment of nature, stresses Manuel Filipe, President of the IFCN, in the statement, reinforcing the entity’s commitment to protecting the natural heritage of the Region.
Manuel Filipe further reminded those present that there are specific areas for camping, and it is essential to request and comply with the terms of the authorisation issued by the IFCN. “It is by complying with the rules that we ensure the balance between access to nature and its conservation.”
The Institute took the opportunity to appeal, once again, to the collaboration of the population. “Reporting violations is essential to the effectiveness of our actions. The active participation of citizens demonstrates a growing environmental awareness that we highly value,” concluded Manuel Filipe.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
