The Faial Natural Park is a structure that entered into operation earlier this year and comprises all classified areas on the island, including six pedestrian trails and five visiting centres, the “Casa do Parque,” the Botanical Garden, the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, the Porto Pim Whale Factory and the “Casa do Cantoneiro.”
The integration of these structures in the Faial Natural Park enables the management of the territory which is focused on the preservation of biodiversity and geodiversity as well as of the sustainable use of natural resources in order to boost tourism and the residents ‘well-being.
The implementation of the Park required a major investment that was made by the Regional Secretariat for Environment and the Sea to improve outdoor visiting structures and the visiting centres.
The Faial Natural Park has received 30,000 visitors since the beginning of 2010. It is important to mention that with regard to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, the number of visitors rose 5%, which corresponds to an increase of 1,200 visitors. This figure is quite significant given the reduction of tourism worldwide.
Regarding the outdoor visiting structures, the pedestrian trails located in the park have been sought after, particularly the new 10 Volcano trail. These pedestrian trails had a significant improvement in safety as well as in the understanding of natural space with the introduction of the Natural Park Guide.