University Study Will Determine Visitor Limits on Popular Hiking Trails
The regional government of Madeira has confirmed it will set limits for visitors on the most popular hiking trails. These limits will be based on a study currently being carried out by the University of Madeira. The university has already collected data and defined its methods. The goal is to finish the study soon, so that the rules can be applied on the ground.
Higher Fines Planned for Unauthorized Trail Use
Manuel Filipe, president of the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), explained that in some cases, the fines for people without a ticket will be increased compared to what is currently charged to tourists who use closed trails. These new fines will range from €250 to €2,500. There are also plans for a new computer system to manage ticketing. People will need a digital confirmation to show they are allowed to use certain trails. After that, random checks will be carried out by patrols.
Manuel Filipe acknowledges problems on the trails during peak hours but assures that once the limits are in place, there will be stricter enforcement.
At certain times – and I repeat, at specific times – we notice that there is indeed an overload, with too many people. Obviously, this temporary excess of people and pressure on the trails is not good.
Problems During Peak Hours
Filipe acknowledged problems during high-traffic periods. "At certain times, we notice there is an overload - too many people," he said. He added that this temporary overuse is not good for the trails or the environment. The government expects that once limits are defined, there will be stronger enforcement. "As soon as the limits are defined, there will be more supervision," he told the public radio Antena 1.
More Rangers to Help Supervise the Trails
To support the new system, 40 new forest rangers (guardas florestais) will be hired. These will join the 67 already working in Madeira. In addition, the 42 current nature wardens (vigilantes da natureza) will also help with trail monitoring once the rules are in place. Their tasks will include random inspections and helping make sure tourists are following the access limits.
Source: RTP Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments