Regional Government receives contributions from population for intervention project in Ponta da Ferraria, S. Miguel Island
The Regional Director for the Environment stated that the draft intervention project for Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria Natural Monument on S. Miguel Island includes the creation of an interpretative pedestrian route, the redevelopment of Sabrina Island Viewpoint with the construction of a car park and the upgrading of the infrastructures in the area surrounding the natural pool.
"We intend to redevelop the entire area of the Natural Monument by carrying out an comprehensive intervention in Pico das Camarinhas, Sabrina Island Viewpoint and in Fajã da Ferraria. The project intends to create alternatives for the interpretation, contemplation and enjoyment of visitors, thus alleviating the demand for the natural hot water pool," said Hernâni Jorge.
The Regional Director spoke Thursday in the village of Ginetes at the presentation project, which was attended by 80 participants. On the occasion, he highlighted the fact that it was "a session where everyone had the opportunity to present their contributions and suggestions. They will be taken into account in the development of the final project, corresponding to the wishes of those who use Ferraria on a daily basis."
"As for Sabrina Island Viewpoint, the project provides for its overall redevelopment, including the construction of a car park for light vehicles and buses, the recovery of soil trenches, the relocation of sanitary facilities and the creation of a space to support the management of the protected area, besides the outlining of an area for paragliding," said Hernâni Jorge.
As for the interpretive pedestrian route, with an extension of 3.5 kilometres and an expected duration of about three hours, the Regional Director pointed out that it begins and ends at Sabrina Island, covering some points of interest such as the Pico das Camarinhas hill, the lighthouse, the "fajã" (cove), the thermal spring, the natural pool and the thermal baths. The approval of this trail will be under consideration this month at the Regional Commission of Hiking Trails.
In turn, the project for the car in Fajã da Ferraria will include the expansion of parking spaces to prevent disorderly parking along the area, the creation of disabled parking spaces and the differentiation of parking entrance and exit.
"We also intend to upgrade the support infrastructures for the natural pool, namely sanitary and shower facilities, the replacement of doors, the replacement of deck floors with darkened concrete and the implementation of a solution to facilitate the access of visitors to the natural pool that has as little impact as possible," said the Regional Director.
According to Hernâni Jorge, "this integrated approach will implement a new management model for protected areas that provides for the limiting of car access to Fajã da Ferraria, according to the number of parking spaces available, and the possible application of parking fees in order to promote rotation and discourage prolonged stays. In this case, Azorean residents will be exempt from the payment of any fee in light of what has been implemented in all protected areas managed by the Region.
The Regional Director ensured that "the access to the "fajã" and the bathing area will continue to be possible every day of the year at any time."