Raimundo Quintal Warns: Madeira’s Laurissilva a Gaza Strip for Endemic Species
Geographer and environmentalist Raimundo Quintal spoke out strongly against the overcrowding of hiking paths in Madeira. In a recent radio interview on he criticized how some visitors, especially social media influencers, treat natural areas like the Laurissilva forest. He compared the end of some trails to a Gaza Strip for local species, highlighting severe damage to the environment.
For example, When I see, for example, some influencers - I think that's what they're called - going to Faial and saying “We are at Laurissilva,” look, that's the same as arriving in the Gaza Strip and photographing that misery and saying we're in a resort area. Faial at this moment is a true Gaza Strip for our endemic species.
Raimundo Quintal, RTP Madeira
Urgent Call for Political Agreement
Quintal urged all political parties in Madeira’s Regional Assembly to come together quickly and set clear rules to limit the number of hikers. He said it’s necessary to “say no” and show courage by agreeing on firm containment measures to protect the island’s fragile ecosystems.
Impact of Mass Tourism Feels Like Imprisonment
Quintal also expressed personal frustration, saying he feels imprisoned on his own island due to the pressures of mass tourism and environmental harm. The full interview, conducted by journalist JoĂŁo Carramanho. Raimundo Quintal is the author of several publications in the areas of Ecology, Biogeography and Environmental Education, as well as the director of documentaries on natural and cultural heritage.
Source: RTP Madeira
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