MADEIRA, Funchal - July 2003
Reforestation at the Ecological Park of Funchal
(Madeira, Funchal 2001 project page)
Click photo to enlarge
Deforestation and habitat degradation caused by livestock has caused severe erosion and the spread of invasive species in the high mountains above Madeira's capital of Funchal. In November 2001, Seacology awarded a grant to the Association of Friends of the Ecological Park of Funchal to reforest a 12-acre area on the park's highest peak. The reforestation effort has involved hundreds of volunteers, including local orphan children. Seacology is providing funding for restoration of an additional 2.5 acres of extremely rugged terrain within the park, as well as maintenance for the already-planted 12-acre area.*
UPDATE July 2004 - Since 2002 the park’s program to plant and maintain endemic shrubs has restored six hectares of a formally deserted area of Pico de Arreiro. The park’s environmental education program for impoverished children continues to be an important part of their endeavors, with planting events taking place every month.
UPDATE July 2005 - Former field representative Korrina Horta visited the May 2005 planting event and reported that the project is providing much-needed reforestation to the Funchal hillsides and that the children visibly enjoy the contact with nature and learning about native plants.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by: 
