In the high mountains above Madeira’s capital of Funchal, deforestation and habitat degradation caused by livestock have caused severe erosion and allowed invasive species to spread.
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 to restore another 2.5 acres of extremely rugged terrain within the park, as well as maintenance for the already-planted 12-acre area.