Chã das Caldeiras (“Plain of the Calderas”) is a small community of approximately 700 inhabitants in the crater of the volcano Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde. The village consists of two main neighborhoods: Portela and Bangaeira, founded in 1920 and 1917, respectively. At an elevation of about 1,700 meters, it is the highest village in Cape Verde. It is part of the municipality of Santa Catarina do Fogo. The main organizing body in the village is the Associação dos Agricultores de Chã (Chã Farmers Association), an agricultural cooperative that holds considerable sway over the local economy. Chã is the only area in Cape Verde that grows significant quantities of grapes and produces export-quality wines. There is no running water or electricity in Chã, though residents are increasingly using generators at night to light and power their homes. All non-drinking water is collected rainwater, stored in large cistern tanks for use in the dry season (November to July). History The Count Of Montrond In 1870, the Count of Montrond (François Louis Armand Fourcheut De Montrond,France) stopped on the island en route to Brazil. He brought with him the vines that kicked off wine production in the caldera. He also produced coffee and exported it to Portugal. With his background in engineering and medicine, he oversaw construction of a road from Sao Filipe to Mosteiros and sank wells that are still in use today. Proficient in the use of herbs and herbal remedies, he imported medicinal herbs for use on the island. At the age of 60, he fell off of a horse and died of an infection in a broken leg. Many of the inhabitants of Chã, with their light skin, blond hair, and blue eyes, can trace their ancestry back to the biologically prolific Count of Montrond. 1995 Eruption In April 1995, an eruption of the Pico do Fogo damaged several houses in Chã das Caldeiras. Pico do Fogo erupted again in November 2014, destroying 75% of the buildings in Portela, Bangaeira and Ilhéu de Losna. Most of these were covered by lava. After the eruption, the majority of the inhabitants left the village. Cabeça Fundão on the park's edge became the seat of the natural park. A few homes have been rebuilt. Natural setting A large crater rim with 1000-meter escarpments, called the Bordeira, encircles the village. On the plain is one large volcanic