IFCN to Install Over 1,200 Meters of Fencing by End of 2025
Since the beginning of this week, parts of Fanal forest have been fenced off to protect its centenarian trees. The Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) is installing more than 1,200 meters of barriers to safeguard the most vulnerable areas. Officials say the work should be completed by the end of 2025.
Specific Tree Clusters in Fanal Identified for Preservation
IFCN has focused on areas with the highest tree density, especially clusters of yews. “What we are doing is delimiting and preserving some yew clusters, those that showed greater pressure:
What we are doing is delimiting and preserving some yew clusters, those that showed greater pressure
IFCN Official, RTP Madeira
Daily Monitoring by Nature Guards and Forestry Police Reinforced
IFCN has stepped up supervision at Fanal to protect the forest. Nature guards are on site every day, and the Forestry Police carry out regular patrols. They not only enforce the rules but also help visitors understand how to respect the protected area. One official said the aim is “to reconcile nature preservation with the use of the space.”
Planned Pathways & Paid Parking to be Introduced
Alongside fencing, IFCN plans to create designated visitor paths. The forest covers around 90 hectares, and these routes aim to manage foot traffic safely. Officials also hinted that parking at Fanal could eventually become paid to regulate access further.
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger
Fanal forest for a while faced serious problems. Visitors often walked off the paths, trampled soil, and even climbed centuries-old trees, damaging fragile roots. Political parties and environmental agents warned of “irreversible degradation” and called out that Fanal is dying, while authorities were criticized for failing to act. Temporary closures and stricter visitor limits were proposed to protect this UNESCO World Heritage site before further damage occurred.
Source: RTP Madeira
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