News

Gold Seal for Funchal’s food strategy

The Municipal Food Strategy of Funchal (SEMEAR) has been awarded the Gold Seal of Good Practice, the highest distinction granted by the National Network for Balanced and Sustainable Food within the framework of the National Plan for Balanced and Sustainable Food.

This recognition reinforces Funchal’s positioning as a territory committed to the transition towards healthier, …

Madeira strengthens sustainable management of high-pressure tourism areas

Tourism in Madeira is preparing for 2026 with a clear focus on managing areas subject to the greatest pressure and reducing conflicts between tourism activity, environmental protection and residents’ quality of life.

Following a period of strong growth, the destination is entering a consolidation phase in which the priority is no longer solely to increase …

Government and UMa united for sustainability

On 24 September, the University of Madeira, in partnership with the Regional Government, organised a clean-up operation at Praia Formosa beach involving 90 students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management.

The initiative, held as part of the National Sustainability Day and World Tourism Day celebrations, strengthens the link between academic training and the tourism …

16 Madeira hotels join the ‘Conscious Plate’ initiative

From 25 to 29 September, 16 hotels in Madeira take part in the ‘Conscious Plate – Sustainability and Zero Food Waste Days’ initiative, an action designed to promote the reduction of food waste and the responsible use of resources.

Participating hotels will create special dishes using the full potential of ingredients, with a strong focus …

First use in Europe of a drone to harvest rare plants in a ravine

Between 7 and 11 July, Madeira was the scene of the first use in Europe of the Mamba drone, developed by the Canadian company Outreach Robotics, capable of harvesting plants on inaccessible cliffs. The operation was conducted by the Botany Group of the University of Madeira, in collaboration with the Madeira Operational Command and …

Madeira Recovers Over 80% of Municipal Waste in 2024

In 2024, the Autonomous Region of Madeira reached a significant milestone in waste management: over 80% of municipal waste was directed to energy recovery, while only 1.5% was sent to landfill – a figure well below the national average.

According to the Annual Municipal Waste Report (RARU), prepared by the Regional Directorate for Environment and …

Porto Santo Restores it´s Beach and becomes an example of environmental monitoring

Porto Santo beach, well-known for its vast sandy beach and touristic value, is naturally recovering the sand lost in previous years. Since 2017, the Regional Directorate for Environment and the Sea (DRAM) has been developing a project that uses photo-monitoring techniques to collect regular data on the evolution of the beach and coastal ecosystems. …

Madeira Strengthens Its Position as a Sustainable Tourist Destination with 78 Green Key Hotels

In 2025, Madeira reinforced its position as a sustainable tourist destination, with 78 tourism establishments awarded the international Green Key certification, more than tripling the 25 units recognised in 2015. Of the current awardees, nine applied for the programme for the first time, and three rejoined, highlighting the growing engagement of Madeira’s hotel sector …

Region Strengthens Environmental Awareness Actions in Car Workshops

Since 2020, the Regional Directorate for Environment and the Sea (DRAM), through its Environmental Inspection Division, has been implementing an innovative awareness plan in Madeira’s vehicle maintenance and repair workshops. The initiative aims to promote best practices in hazardous waste management and to combat illegal discharges of substances such as used oils, filters, and …

Campaign Urges Protection of Madeira’s Forests

The Regional Government of Madeira, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture and the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), has launched a new campaign for forest fire prevention. Under the motto “A safe forest depends on all of us”, the initiative aims to protect human lives, safeguard environmental assets, and …