Código de Conduta

Code of conduct

When visiting the Azores Nature Parks, have in account a set of essential conduct regulations, important for your safety and for the conservation and sustainable development of the protected areas, allowing everyone to enjoy our natural heritage now and in the future.

As the old saying says, "Do not leave nothing but footprints, do not take more than memories and photographs".

 

Before the hike:

• Get to know the regulations and special precautions for the area that you are going to visit;
• Carefully study the route map and additional information about the trail (profile, length and degree of difficulty) and check if it suits your physical condition;
• Check the weather forecast to better assess the conditions of the trail;
• Tell someone where you are going and when you are planning to return;
• Make sure you are wearing the right clothing, footwear and gear necessary for the hike and weather forecast;
     ♦ Clothing is the first line of defence against the elements and should never be neglected. Wearing several layers of comfortable clothing is a good way to adapt to the intensity of the activity and changing weather;
     ♦ The trail becomes easier and safer if you have good walking shoes or hiking boots;
• Carry a hat to protect your face and head from the sun, and to help you stay warm when it gets cold. Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days;
• Take a garbage bag with you. Bring all waste and leftovers with you and deposit them in the appropriate place;
• Carry a first-aid kit with essentials for cleaning wounds.
• Take your mobile phone fully charged, to use in case of an emergency. Some areas along the trails may not have mobile phone network;
• Take drinking water enough for the length of the trail. The water in streams and lagoons is not safe for consumption;
• Make sure your footwear does not have seeds, avoiding the dispersal of potentially invasive alien flora species;
• If you leave the car at the beginning of the trail, lock the doors, close the windows, and leave nothing of value in sight. Make sure you do not block access to gateways. Always leave access for emergency vehicles.

 

During the hike:

• Pay attention to signs and any other landmarks along the trail and stay on the marked trail;
• Respect the existing signage;
• Trails should be used by small groups at a time. Too many visitors can cause trail erosion as well as the destruction of plants;
• Do not remove geological material or plant samples;
• Do not disturb the cattle;
• Leave gates and private property the same way as you found them;
• Let the sounds of nature prevail. Avoid disturbing the local environment;
• When meeting other visitors, be courteous. Give way to other users of the trail, especially those walking uphill;
• Keep your pets constantly under control and clean up their faeces;
• Contact the responsible authorities if you find any irregularities:
     ♦ SOS Environment: 800 292 800
     ♦ European Emergency Line: 112