The implementation of strategies for the conservation of geological heritage is something relatively recent. Throughout time, its legal basis was mainly directed to nature conservation issues, but did not address specifically the geological heritage.
The only Portuguese legal document that focus explicitly in geological heritage conservation is the Decree-Law n.º24/2004/M, of 20th August, from the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
A significant geoconservation effort has been made by the Regional Government. Some measures have been outlined that are considered to be the fundamental basis for the conservation, preservation, enhancement and management of the Autonomous Region’s geoheritage, as well as to guarantee the protection of its geosites.