The Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (IFCN, IP-RAM) has recently planted 200 trees in Paul da Serra, a municipal county of Ponta do Sol, Madeira, which is the largest and most extensive plateau of Madeira. The conservation exercise was funded by the European Radon Association (ERA) and attendees from the Madeira Radon Week (each supplying 100 trees) which took place in October 2024.
The background to this regeneration project relates to a huge forest fire which took place in Funchal back in August 2024. The fires decimated much of the natural habitat. During the conference, Paulo Pinto, an executive committee member of the ERA and an organizer of Madeira Radon Week, shared with participants satellite imagery which illustrated the impact the forest fire had on the environment. As a result of this, the ERA and delegates agreed to fund the planting of 200 new trees.
The project was supported by Abel Martinho Martins from the Madeira Botanic Gardens, who at the conference gave advice and recommendations on growing and planting procedures. The entire concept was driven by the need to combat climate change and maintain the environment.
With an altitude averaging about 1,500m. Paul da Serra is a unique landscape, with the plateau stretching for about 24 km², offering a stark contrast to the steep slopes and deep valleys that characterize the rest of the island.
The IFCN – a public entity responsible for promoting nature conservation, sustainable forest management, and the management of protected areas in Madeira – planted the trees in an area which forms part of Laurissilva da Madeira. This forest formation and UNESCO World Heritage site has very high biodiversity and has been around for more than 20 million years. Laurissilva da Madeira forms part of the Madeira Natural Park and is protected by regional, national and international legislation.
José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva, Secretary of the ERA, said: “The ERA is always striving to improve the environment and contribute funds to worthy causes whenever we can. As Radon Week was held in Madeira, it seemed appropriate to work with local institutions to give back something tangible to the community.”
The ERA is a non- profit International Organisation registered under Belgian law (number 549.923.484). It has been formed to serve the interests of the European radon community.
