Three tourists were identified today by the Forest Police Force when they were walking along a closed section of the PR1 Classified Trail – Vereda do Areeiro, which connects Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, revealed the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN).
According to a statement, the visitors ignored the closure signage and went through the security gate installed at the access to the trail, and were intercepted in the Pico do Areeiro area.
Each one voluntarily paid the fine of 250 euros, for a total of 750 euros, as provided for in Regional Legislative Decree No. 24/2022/M, of December 19, which establishes the legal regime for pedestrian routes in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
According to information from the IFCN, the situation was immediately reported to the Forest Police after the alert was given by tourist guides who were on site, demonstrating the active collaboration of the sector in complying with safety standards.
IFCN President Manuel Filipe, quoted in the document, emphasizes the seriousness of the incident: “The designated hiking trails are part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage, but they are also risky spaces when they are not in suitable conditions for use. Failure to comply with access rules not only endangers the lives of visitors but also compromises the work carried out to safeguard the territory. The imposition of this fine demonstrates the firmness of the inspection and the importance of everyone respecting the authorities’ instructions.”
It also reminds us that “the closure signs exist to protect people and the environment”, appealing to the individual responsibility of those who visit the island.
“We want our visitors to have unique and safe experiences. Our duty is to preserve the trails, but everyone’s duty is to respect the rules. Safety and conservation always come first,” he argues.
With this episode, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, through the IFCN, reinforces the message that visitor safety and the protection of natural heritage are at the heart of the strategy to enhance the region’s network of walking trails.