Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP)’s candidacy for the Funchal City Council focuses on showcasing Funchal as a standout Atlantic city with unique potential for the global scientific community in marine studies. It also emphasises promoting underwater diving, a growing sector, and enhancing ocean literacy for the wider public.
Through a statement, Fátima Aveiro, who last Saturday marked the International Coastal Cleanup Day on the Lido-Praia Formosa promenade, explained that her plan, if elected Mayor of Funchal on the 12th of October, involves the creation of a Funchal Marine Eco Park. This would establish a “protected area” on the seafront of Funchal, between Ponta da Cruz (just after the Ponta Gorda bathing complex) and Lazareto.
The independent candidate of the JPP highlights that the Funchal Marine Eco Park was an idea proposed by a former Funchal Mayor about 20 years ago. However, much like Praia Formosa, which was initially intended to be a leisure area for public enjoyment, it has become just another unfulfilled promise.
Fátima Aveiro aims to push forward the creation of the Funchal Marine Eco Park, believing that an Atlantic city like Funchal, with open access to the sea, is missing opportunities to fully utilize it for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
“I believe that the best way to mark this International Coastal Cleanup Day is to ensure the protection of the sea and the environment, with realistic measures aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and local ecosystems. To constitute a protected area where the scientific community can develop studies and research work, affirming Funchal as an attractive marine hub, promoting underwater diving that is currently asserting itself as a growing niche and combining all this with the development of ocean literacy for the general population, is to leave this rich heritage that is the sea as a legacy to future generations, properly protected and preserved.”
Fátima Aveiro recalls that Madeira already has fundamental infrastructures to support the entire future of a Marine Eco Park, namely the Marine Biology Station, the University of Madeira, and the Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, installed at the Nautical Centre of São Lázaro, as well as a hyperbaric chamber installed at the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital.
 “Madeira has scientific knowledge, researchers with recognised international careers, and has already organised world diving championships to reward the best underwater photographs and videos, bringing to the Region participants from more than 20 countries. We have good accessibility to the sea in Funchal and an all-year-round diving climate, so if I am elected, I will not waste this opportunity, because this is transforming Funchal, removing it from inertia, and creating a sustainable natural heritage for all to enjoy for decades to come.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
