Joint initiative brings together Tourism, Environment and UMa in action for sustainability
A joint initiative by the Regional Directorate for Tourism, the Regional Directorate for the Environment and the University of Madeira marked National Sustainability Day and World Tourism Day.
On 24 September, Praia Formosa beach in Funchal was the scene of a symbolic and transformative action that brought together around 28 participants in a beach clean-up promoted by the Regional Directorate for Tourism (DRT), the Regional Directorate for the Environment (DRAM) and the University of Madeira (UMa), with the support of Frente Mar Funchal.
The initiative took place as part of the celebrations of National Sustainability Day (25 September) and World Tourism Day (27 September), reinforcing the Autonomous Region of Madeira’s commitment to environmental protection and responsible tourism.
During an hour, 29.150 kg of waste was collected, including 637 cigarette butts and filters, 6 bottles and beverage containers with a capacity greater than 0.5 L and 4 bottles and containers with a capacity less than 0.5 L. These results demonstrate the significant impact that small gestures of environmental awareness can have on the preservation of coastal areas.
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, emphasised on this occasion the importance of this type of action, affirming Madeira as a sustainable tourist destination:
“This simple gesture of cleaning a beach has an enormous symbolic power. It represents the shared responsibility we all have – government, institutions, businesses, academia and citizens – to take care of the territory that is also our main tourist asset.”
Andreia Brasílio, professor from UMa, also highlighted the involvement of students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management, emphasising the educational and civic value of the initiative, which brought academia closer to the practical reality of sustainability in the tourism sector.
With this joint action, the Autonomous Region of Madeira reaffirms its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN 2030 Agenda, promoting tourism that values both people and the environment.
By combining the celebrations of National Sustainability Day and World Tourism Day, Madeira sends a clear message: the tourism of the future will be sustainable — and the change starts now.
