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Several civic organisations have analysed the dry marina project promoted by Ports de les Illes Balears at Cala en Busquets and have agreed to work together to try to stop the initiative.
The planned intervention in this cove of Ciutadella’s port aims to install a dry marina with capacity for 120 boats, as well as to build a large concrete esplanade and a vertical wall. This would have a major landscape impact and would further increase the nautical pressure on the port.
The signatory associations consider it a mistake to continue expanding the number of boats, as there are already long queues for refuelling during summer, and Menorca has exceeded for years the nautical carrying capacity defined by a study commissioned by the Ports de les Illes Balears authority itself.
Any intervention in Cala en Busquets should aim to restore its landscape and natural values, not to degrade them. It should also be noted that there is an archaeological site within the cove, containing remains of historical sunken vessels.
Commercial boating usually entails a high water consumption, and Ciutadella already faces a very concerning situation regarding water resources. The inclusion of a lift in the project design might suggest plans to enable parking on the sa Farola road, which would alter the current appearance of the treed area above the cove.
A dry marina of this type is more typical of an industrial zone than of a residential and civic area such as the old port. Moreover, allocating over 5 million euros of public funds to reinforce a model based on tourism growth and such a highly seasonal activity as boating is, in our view, a strategic mistake for the island.
For the project to be implemented, the City Council of Ciutadella would need to transfer the land to Ports, since it lies outside the public domain. This is an opportunity for the local administration to express its stance regarding the future of this emblematic area of Ciutadella’s port.
We make a public call for more entities to join this citizens’ platform, which seeks to preserve the island’s territorial values and promote economic diversification.
Associació de Vesins de sa Farola, Associació de Vesins de sa Colàrsega, GOB Menorca, Associació Salvem es Port Antic de Ciutadella, Amics de la Mar de Menorca, Associació Junts as Pla.