Tree planting action kicks off CAI Conference in Funchal

It was accompanied by a tour of the park and plant nursery, focusing on the various species of bats, birds and endemic plant life that can be found in the forest, as well as efforts to curb invasive species and tackle wildfires. The latter destroyed 92% of the ecological park in 2010 and 62% in 2016. 

Fiona Noone, marine planning and port operations Manager at Marella Cruises TUI planting trees in Funchal. PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE

Today, the park works with the community, including schools, to raise awareness of Madeira’s unique ecosystem. Recent efforts involve constructing and installing bat boxes. 

‘A well preserved forest will protect the city from floods,’ added biologist Eduardo Nobrega who works at the ecological park. 

Traditional Madeiran cuisine and poncha, a local alcoholic drink, followed at Restaurante Adega do Pomar. 

Opportunities and challenges 

The event, running September 26-28, brings together CAI members Madeira, Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Azores to discuss shared opportunities and challenges. Together, the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia represent a market of 3.3m cruise passengers.

There will be a special focus on sustainability, decarbonisation and the energy transition, the circular economy, and technology and innovation. 

Celebration and networking 

CAI Conference attendees were given a warm welcome to Funchal by Paula Cabaço, CEO, Ports of Madeira (APRAM). Speaking at a cocktail reception at the Port of Funchal on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the CAI consortium, she said, ‘I feel deeply honoured to have this chance to celebrate 30 years of the CAI’. She described the formation of the consortium in the 1980s as a ‘visionary’ step.  

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Paula Cabaço (second from right) with founders of the CAI and presidents of the CAI port authorities. PHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE

A ceremony followed recognising the founders of the CAI and featuring speeches from the presidents of the CAI port authorities.  

A series of panel discussions will take place on September 27 at Funchal City Hall, led by Nikos Nikos Mertzanidis, VP ports & destinations, Cruise Lines International Association - Europe.