Madeira has introduced a new fee for non-residents on some of its most popular hiking trails. The move is part of a push towards sustainable tourism and proceeds will fund conservation efforts. The surcharge currently applies to seven of the most trafficked routes but will be expanded to all recommended trails on the Portuguese archipelago from January 2025. With steep peaks, verdant forests, and lush waterfalls, the archipelago’s hiking trails are some of its top visitor draws. Madeira’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Rafaela Fernandes, said the charge is necess…