The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism highlighted the partnership with the Madalena Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters in the “preparation and training” of the rescue team to guarantee "safer conditions" for all those visiting the Pico Mountain,” an initiative that she considered of "paramount importance."

“We are renewing a protocol that allows us to maintain the structure and the technical preparation of a rescue team trained to carry out search and rescue operations in Pico Mountain Natural Reserve. Furthermore, it provides for the management of the visitor tracking system outside the operating periods of the Mountain House in 2020," stressed Marta Guerreiro. 

The Regional Secretary spoke at the signing of a protocol with that humanitarian association for the allocation of "financial support amounting to 35 thousand Euros.” On the occasion, the members of the rescue team received uniforms and equipment, an “investment of about 10 thousand Euros," along with a light nine-seat vehicle for the transport of the rescue team that will be available from April. 

The Secretary for the Environment pointed out "the importance of the collaboration with Madalena Volunteer Firefighters, who have ensured, over the last few years, the maintenance of a team trained for these purposes." 

On the occasion, Marta Guerreiro revealed that “more than 20 thousand people climbed the mountain in 2019, a growth of 13.5% compared to the previous year.” 

"An increase in demand that has occurred over the past few years, but also with a greater distribution throughout the year, which shows a drop in the seasonality of this activity," the government official said, adding that this is due to the efforts undertaken" with the aim of improving the access to the mountain.”  

In this context, Marta Guerreiro highlighted “the improvement works of the Mountain House facilities, namely the car parking area and the creation of a specific support area for descents, a global investment over 600 thousand Euros that is practically concluded." 

Moreover, she mentioned “the establishment of daily limits for ascents and overnight stays in the crater, and the extension of the operating hours of the Mountain House. This place has proven fundamental in the registration of climbers and support for climbing activities as well as in the provision of adequate services to visitors." 

“This effort is yet to be finished and is constantly being updated,” said Marta Guerreiro. In this context, she added that “a new revision of the access regulation is being prepared in order to adapt it to current needs, always in dialogue with partners, namely Mountain Guides and the members of CRADS - Regional Council for Sustainable Development."