Miguel Albuquerque spoke to journalists during a visit to several sites along the Caminho dos Pretos in the highlands of Funchal, which have been or are being developed.
The social-democratic leader highlighted that his administration has invested in this firebreak strip since 2018, involving the removal of acacia and eucalyptus, “highly flammable species,” replacing them with native plants.
“We have carried out multiple interventions across the 300 hectares and on various platforms,” stated Miguel Albuquerque, emphasizing that several areas require recurrent interventions due to the rapid growth of invasive species.
During a visit last year, the head of Madeira’s executive noted that about 50% of the firebreak strip had been developed.
Asked about new interventions beyond areas already targeted, Albuquerque mentioned a new area connecting to Chão da Lagoa, approximately 30 hectares.
“This is a medium and long-term project, a demanding and ongoing task,” he stressed, noting that it is not feasible to clear the 600 hectares “all at once” and not all the land is yet owned by the autonomous region.
Albuquerque reiterated that the approximately 300 hectares refer to land owned by the region, with some plots provided by hotel groups and associations.
“We will continue to acquire lands, especially undefined plots,” he added, confirming ongoing work through the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, while acknowledging the project’s span across “one or two generations.”
“The costs associated with these efforts are very high, and when will it end? When native plants grow sufficiently to prevent the spread of invasive species,” he reinforced.
Accompanied by Civil Protection Secretary Micaela Freitas and Environment Secretary Eduardo Jesus, Miguel Albuquerque also urged residents to clear areas around their homes to reduce fire risk.
The firebreak along Caminho dos Pretos primarily aims to create a buffer zone of low-combustibility vegetation, decrease Funchal’s population vulnerability to forest fires, and equip the area with resources to aid firefighting operations.
