Furnas do Enxofre and Algar do Carvão – Natural Monuments for 18 years

March 23, 2022

On 23 March 2004, the Furnas do Enxofre and the Algar do Carvão were classified as nautral monuments. This classification aims at preserving the natural value of these places and the integrity of their characteristics and the immediate surrounding areas. For this purpose, measures are taken such as limiting or preventing exploitation that would alter its characteristics and creating opportunities for research, education and public appreciation.

Furnas do Enxofre correspond to the most relevant fumarolic field of Terceira island, consisting of the release of gases to the surface through a system of fissures, around which some sulphur deposits form. 

Also located on Terceira, Algar do Carvão, previously classified as a Geological Nature Reserve, is a volcanic chimney that develops under two volcanic cones, whose geospeleological importance has been fairly distinguished by several national and foreign specialists. 

To make the general population more aware of the importance of these two natural monuments, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change inaugurated, in October last year, the trail connecting Algar do Carvão to Furnas do Enxofre. This trail allows the observation of several ecological and landscape restoration areas carried out by the Regional Government of the Azores, such as areas intervened for the eradication of invasive flora, plantations of endemic flora and recovery of degraded peatbogs. Soon, the construction of the Interpretation Centre dedicated to Algar do Carvão and its preservation will start.