The document is endorsed by the companies Proactivetur, AlgarvianRoots, Pernatur, Seed Tours, and GeoWalks & Talks, as well as tour guides Miguel Rodrigues (A Céu Aberto), Daniel Martins, and Ana Marta Costa.

The signatories point out that the trail's international renown has driven an unprecedented influx of tourists, which has not been matched by adequate measures for conservation, safety, and land-use planning.

Key issues highlighted include trail overcrowding, unregulated bicycle and horse traffic, chaotic parking, illegal camping, and the accumulation of litter and waste along the route, as well as a structural lack of basic support infrastructure, such as public restrooms.

Risky behaviour

Operators also warn of the frequent occurrence of risky behaviour near cliffs and sinkholes, often encouraged by so-called guides who lack professional qualifications, thereby accelerating soil erosion and the destruction of native vegetation.

In a statement, the companies emphasise that this situation not only threatens natural heritage but also poses a safety risk to thousands of visitors and compromises the quality of the tourism experience, thereby jeopardising the Algarve's international reputation.

Environmental awareness

Although professionals work daily to raise environmental awareness among clients, the group maintains that their private efforts cannot replace a structured public strategy. Consequently, they urgently call for intervention by the relevant authorities to implement an integrated management plan.

Their proposals include monitoring the trail's carrying capacity, strengthening enforcement and surveillance, controlling vehicular access, improving signage, and establishing ongoing ecological restoration programs.

The signatories clarify that they do not advocate for prohibitive restrictions on the use of the area, but rather for responsible management that balances nature conservation with the viability of economic activity.