From the 1st of January 2026, residents will have free access to the Madeira Botanical Garden – Eng. Rui Vieira. The new ruling stems from an amendment to the ordinance that defines the fees to be charged by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM (IFCN), as per Ordinance No. 801/2025, dated 10 December.
According to information released by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, the decision is part of a strategy of territorial reorganisation and sustainable management of tourist flows, intending to strengthen access for the resident population to the region’s natural heritage sites.
In his statement, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, said that this option constitutes “a conscious and structuring political choice.” According to the governor, the Botanical Garden of Madeira Eng. Rui Vieira is an identity, scientific, educational, and cultural space of Madeira, adding that guaranteeing free access to all Madeirans is to affirm that sustainability begins with the people who live here.
Eduardo Jesus also stresses that free travel for residents does not compromise the financial sustainability of the IFCN, advocating the application of the user-pays principle to non-resident visitors. “Those who benefit from the natural capital of the Region must contribute to its conservation, he says, indicating that this orientation is in line with the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030.
The measure is part of the UPGRADE Programme, presented by the Regional Government as a guiding framework for integrated policies on Tourism, Environment, and Culture. According to the Regional Secretary, the programme proposes a structural change in the way the Region manages its territory and welcomes those who visit it, placing sustainability and the quality of life of residents at the centre of public policies.
In the same context, and as already reported, it is planned to implement, as of the 1st of January, 2026, an integrated reservation and cargo management system for the 42 classified pedestrian routes in the Region. Access will be subject to mandatory registration and limitation of vacancies. This includes paying visitors to the island and non-paying residents.
Regarding the Botanical Garden, the Regional Government highlights its role as a space for public enjoyment, environmental education and scientific research. With 65 years of existence and about 400 thousand annual visitors, the space has been the target of recent investments, including the creation of an interactive digital map and the opening of the Bromeliad Greenhouse.
According to Eduardo Jesus, “investing in the Botanical Garden is investing in Madeira’s identity and its affirmation as a sustainable destination.” He adds that the free service for residents aims to strengthen the connection of the population to the natural heritage of the Region.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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