//
The development of the Special Program for the Site of Community Importance (SCI) PTMMD0001 - Cetaceans of Madeira has been determined, aiming at the conservation of marine biodiversity.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture has determined, through Order no. 258/2026, the preparation of the Special Program for the Site of Community Importance (PESCM) for the Cetaceans of Madeira area (PTMMD0001). This program covers an area of 681,498.69 hectares, including the waters around the islands of Madeira, Desertas, and Porto Santo.
The central objective is to strengthen the safeguarding of natural values, promote sustainable resource management, and regulate human, recreational, and tourist activities in the area. The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM, will be the entity responsible for drafting the plan, which will have a 12-month deadline and will be accompanied by an advisory committee composed of various regional entities, including the University of Madeira and the Madeira Whale Museum.
The Regional Government has approved the plan for the 2026 summer season, focusing on prevention and surveillance in high-risk areas.
The Madeira Government has approved the amounts that tobacco producers must pay to municipalities to offset the costs of cleaning plastic filters in 2026 and 2027.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture has officially released the list of bathing waters, their respective seasons, and beaches with lifeguard supervision for the current season.