The port authority (APRAM) was joined by the captain of AIDAcosma, Vincent Cofalka, and crew members from the AIDA Cruises vessel in carrying out the initiative on Monday, which was supported by Funchal City Council.
In total, 15 trees native to the park and some endemic to Madeira were planted.
‘This environmental initiative marks the beginning of a set of programmed actions in which the Ports of Madeira and its partners intend to actively contribute to improving the environmental quality of the city of Funchal,’ the president of APRAM Paula Cabaço explained, as the planting drew to a close. ‘We know the effort and work that has been developed by the city of Funchal in the reforestation of the Ecological Park, and we want to collaborate in this process through active and programmed participation.’ She said APRAM intends to mark the beginning and end of the cruise season with reforestation efforts moving forward.
Madeira Ports are a member of MedCruise.
AIDA’s ‘serious’ commitment to the environment
The initiative began with a guided tour where representatives of AIDA learned about the history of the park, its fauna and flora and the park’s importance in ensuring environmental balance. Speaking in reference to AIDA, capt. Cofalka stated, ‘We have a very serious commitment to the environment and sustainability, not only in the investments that have been made in our fleet of ships, in the equipment and practices on board, but also in the way we interact with the ports we visit.’
Cabaço said AIDA Cruises’ participation ‘clearly demonstrates the commitment of APRAM and the entire cruise industry to the environment, sustainability and decarbonisation.’
In addition to tourism, agriculture and forestry contribute significantly to Madeira’s economy.
‘We hope that our current and future commitment will set an example for sustainable tourism. The idea is to implement a long-term and joint environmental initiative,’ underlined capt. Cofalka, after planting a tintureira tree. Extinct in the wild, the park has been reintroducing some specimens.
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