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Tree planting action kicks off CAI Conference in Funchal

Tree planting in Funchal Ecological Park in Madeira by cruise line representatives, agents and journalists marked the beginning of the Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

September 26, 2024

2 Min Read
Tree planting in Funchal Ecological Park
Tree planting in Funchal Ecological ParkPHOTO: HOLLY PAYNE

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. 

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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.  

Related:Several cruise lines to attend 2024 Cruise Atlantic Islands conference

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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. 

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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