Environmental monitoring reinforced through a new programme

The Regional Government will implement a new Environmental Monitoring Programme for the wind farms installed in Paul da Serra, strengthening ecological oversight of these infrastructures located within the Madeira Natural Park and the Natura 2000 Network.

The initiative establishes a common monitoring and data reporting model for all wind farms in the area, with the aim of standardising methodologies, improving data quality and ensuring a more rigorous assessment of environmental impacts. The decision follows technical analysis identifying differences in methods used and divergent results, particularly regarding bird and bat mortality.

The programme focuses on three main areas — avifauna, chiropterans, and flora and vegetation — and will run for a minimum of three years, with annual reports and periodic submissions. Planned actions include systematic surveys around wind turbines, regular censuses, assessment of flight paths and monitoring of vegetation regeneration in affected areas.

The measure also includes guidelines for invasive species control and access management, seeking to reduce pressure on ecosystems and preserve the plateau’s landscape and endemic species.

With this decision, the Regional Executive strengthens the alignment between the energy transition and nature conservation, adopting a more demanding, transparent and evidence-based approach to renewable energy management in the territory.

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