New Waste Tax Takes Effect
As of today, tourists over the age of 12 visiting seven designated hiking trails in Madeira will be charged the new waste tax of three euros (taxa de resíduos). The initiative, announced by Rafaela Fernandes, the regional secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment, aims to help maintain the natural beauty of these popular trails while addressing the growing impact of tourism on the environment.
Exemptions for Residents and Operators
Local residents and some professionals with agreements in place will not have to pay the new tax, at least until the end of the year. Starting in January 2025, only residents will be exempt, while the tax will apply to all other visitors using over 30 hiking trails managed by the Madeira Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN).
We are currently carrying out a process involving two dozen collaborators to raise awareness of this payment
Rafaela Fernandes, Observador
Trails Included in the Waste Tax From Today
Here is the initial list of trails subject to the waste tax.
Vereda do Pico do Areeiro (PR 1)
Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR 1.2)
Levada do Risco (PR 6.1)
Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR 9)
Vereda dos Balcões (PR 11)
Levada do Rei (PR 18)
The latter already had a previous fee of two euros, which has now been updated to three euros.
IFCN Deploys Staff to Educate Tourists
Fernandes explained that the funds collected from the tax will go towards the cleaning and maintenance of the trails. To encourage compliance, the IFCN has deployed a team of twenty staff members to educate visitors about the new fee. However, those who fail to pay could face fines of up to €50. Payment can be made through the Simplifica platform, managed by the regional government, or at IFCN information points along the trails.
PR1 Remains Closed Until Early 2025
While some trails are now open for partial access, the trail connecting Pico Areeiro and Pico Ruivo remains closed due to ongoing construction work, with full access expected by early 2025. Even those PR1-sections that are currently open are subject to a waste tax of €3.
Sources:
Observador
Jornal da Madeira
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