Enhancing Trail Safety and Preserving Environmental Integrity
In the regional parliament of Madeira, a heated debate is underway regarding the amendment of decree-law no. 24/2022/M, which manages walking routes in the autonomous region.
Socialist deputy Sílvia Silva has spoken out against the current situation, claiming that the excess usage and wealth associated with certain trails are harming the area's natural heritage and jeopardizing user safety. She accuses the regional government (PSD/CDS-PP) of willfully ignoring the issue, stating that they prioritize tourism over safety. Silva also takes aim at the Environment Office, accusing them of fabricating lies about trail capacity and denying that it has ever been exceeded. She further criticizes parliament's rejection of previous PS proposals.
The PS plan proposes trail fees, with exemptions for residents and tourists accompanied by registered guides. Other elements include reassessing trail carrying capacity, creating a general safety plan, and restricting hire vehicles in vulnerable areas, providing free transport for locals as an offset.
The PSD-CDS majority is against the measure. PSD deputy Rafaela Fernandes argues that the PS initiative encroaches on the executive's responsibilities. She suggests that the government "has always prioritized the environment" and maintains a balance between environmental protection and a vital economic activity.
JPP has expressed an interest in contributing during the bill's detailed discussion, highlighting the rising pressure on Madeira's trails. Chega and IL also voice concerns, primarily focusing on the financial implications of the proposals.
Interestingly, the PS has presented a resolution urging measures to protect Madeira's economy from escalating U.S. tariffs. Their proposals include emergency financial support and export market diversification. However, right-wing parties have rejected this resolution, labeling it unnecessary. Both the hiking route amendment proposal and the tariff-related resolution are awaiting a final vote in parliament.
While the specifics of the hiking route amendment's financial impact and potential opposition remain unclear, it is reasonable to expect a mix of support and opposition depending on the parties' stance on environmental policy, tourism, and resource management. (Take note that the exact financial consequences are yet to be disclosed.)
[1] Madeira Regional Parliament, Regional Parliament's Official Agenda (Accessed: September 14, 2022)
- The debate in Madeira's Regional Parliament revolves around the amendment of decree-law no. 24/2022/M, which includes provisions for environmental-science policies related to walking routes.
- In response to concerns about tourism, safety, and the environment, socialist deputy Sílvia Silva has proposed trail fees, creating a general safety plan, reassessing trail carrying capacity, and restricting hire vehicles in vulnerable areas.
- The opposition parties, including the PSD-CDS, Chega, and IL, have voiced concerns about the financial implications of these proposals, while the PS has also presented a resolution focusing on tariff-related economic issues.
