The Flower Festival is clearly one of the biggest tourist attractions in Madeira. Not only for the benefits it provides, but for the transversal involvement of the community and for all its beauty.
It is something that is intrinsic to us, for everything it represents: peace, hope, color, beauty, nature, but also because we always associate flowers with the brand image of the Island’s tourism promotion.
It is in this context that the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) joins the organization of the Flower Festival, as the green of the branches and plants stands out in its countless and distinct colors.
This greenery, made up of branches of exotic trees and numerous plants, is all provided free of charge by IFCN to the numerous non-profit associations and public bodies responsible for promoting this tourist attraction.
In addition to the countless branches, countless plants produced in forest nurseries are also loaned out, plants that adorn the countless public spaces and exhibitions that, in this tourist season, become mandatory places for people to pass through, both residents and tourists, and that dignify our Madeiran flora, unique in the world, this year celebrating 25 years of being named Laurissilva Forest as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Imagine what the Wall of Hope would be like without the green background, what the countless floral carpets would be like without the green background, what the countless floats would be like without the “green cloak” that covers them, and what the of countless exhibitions without the greenery of countless plants.
This is the other side of the Flower Festival that goes unnoticed by most people and that plays a fundamental role in the success of this tourist attraction, being ensured by the IFCN through responsible, sustainable management of our region’s forest resources. I praise and thank the tireless work of IFCN employees who are involved in this entire process with a high spirit of mission. From the Operational Assistants, Technicians and Managers who do their best, always available, often working after hours and in adverse weather conditions so that everything is ready on time.
We are well aware of our role as a public body with responsibilities in the management of forest areas and we seek, throughout the year, to adequately manage existing resources, so that there is availability, in sufficient quantity and quality, for the size of the festival.
We understand that the path must focus on integrated management, where people, their uses and customs are respected and valued, in full articulation with policies for the conservation and enjoyment of nature and forests.
It is in this context that we will continue to develop the policies that we consider most appropriate for the forest that is under the management of the Regional Government through the IFCN, in line with what is established in the strategic documents approved for the sector, counting on the collaboration of all, in the preservation of a good that is enjoyed by all.
Still in the context of the Flower Festival and the connection between the Laurissilva Forest and other aspects of our daily lives, I would like to mention one of the mandatory places to visit throughout this month, which is the Pavilhão do Artesanato Regional e da Floresta Laurissilva in Praça do Povo.
Promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Environment (SRAA) in a partnership between the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation and the Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts of Madeira, this space was created that highlights the connection of this forest and its practical application in the creation of diverse genuine handcrafted pieces representative of regional arts and crafts.
So here we highlight another noble use of the Forest through its timber in musical instruments, inlays and various decorative and functional utensils for our daily lives.
