Funchal Ecological Park

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Madeira > Funchal > Santo António

Location:

Located in the mountainous areas north of Funchal city, encompassing part of the parish of Santo António, the Funchal Ecological Park offers an elevated perspective of the Madeiran capital and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its position grants it a cooler and more serene environment, away from the urban bustle, providing direct contact with the island's nature.

Origins and Purpose:

The history of the Funchal Ecological Park is old, dating back to the early 20th century. Around 1918, the Funchal municipality acquired extensive mountainous areas with the primary objective of capturing and ensuring the water supply to the city. This initial gesture marked the beginning of the municipal management and preservation of this natural region. Officially established as the Funchal Ecological Park in 1994, its main vocation became nature conservation and the promotion of environmental education, while maintaining its protected area status.

Natural Richness:

The park covers a considerable area of about ten square kilometers, characterized by its remarkable biodiversity. It is an important refuge for the endemic fauna and flora of Madeira, being classified as an Important Bird Area and integrated into the Natura 2000 Network, a recognition of its ecological value at the European level. Within its boundaries, reforestation projects with native species, particularly those of the Lauraceae family, are developed, actively contributing to the recovery and maintenance of the island's original ecosystem.

A Space for Leisure:

The Funchal Ecological Park offers visitors an environment conducive to contemplation and moderate physical activity, in the heart of nature. With a network of trails, it is a suitable place for hiking or cycling, allowing for immersion in the island's natural landscape. The existing infrastructure complements the visitor experience, providing spaces for leisure and observation of the natural diversity that this ecosystem shelters.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt