Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira and a popular hiking destination, is being turned into a dumping ground for objects left by tourists and hikers.

A photo shows the site littered with padlocks, towels, cutlery, masks, and other belongings. This raises concerns about the environmental impact and the degradation of this natural space, located at the end of the trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.

Interpreter guides question whether this is the desired type of tourism for Madeira, urging “serious penalties,” including fines, to raise awareness among visitors and protect the heritage.

The phenomenon of symbolic padlocks, found in various places around the world, threatens the balance between attracting tourists and preserving the island’s environment. This is especially true when these objects are combined with other belongings that create accumulated waste, as shown in the image.

The government is thinking of charging an €8,000 fine from December onwards to those who litter in the mountains in Madeira, even for a little piece of paper. This is the only way to stop this issue. Anonymous people will be responsible for doing this.