Views: 1

Last year, two significant episodes of light pollution were recorded in natural areas. The GOB has been engaging with the relevant authorities for months to prevent the situation from repeating this summer. So far, however, institutions continue to shift responsibility among themselves.

One case is Pregonda, in Mercadal, where floodlights from nearby houses illuminate the beach and the islets in front of it on many evenings. This interference affects wildlife in an area classified as a Natural Area of Special Interest with the status of High Level of Protection. The site is also located within the core area of the Starlight Reserve and corresponds to an area of special astronomical interest.

The other case is Sa Mesquida, in Maó, where there are two sources of light pollution. One comes from a streetlight located on top of the cliff, aimed towards the beach and causing an excessive amount of light in the lower area. The second light source comes from a private plot and illuminates a large part of the beach.

Balearic Islands Law 3/2005 on the protection of the nocturnal environment establishes prohibitions and limitations regarding lighting in beach or coastal areas. Specifically, Article 6(d) prohibits the lighting of large extensions of beach or coastline, except for safety reasons.

In addition, this intense and persistent nighttime lighting could have negative effects on local wildlife, such as marine turtles or shearwaters.

The GOB wrote to the Island Council and to the two municipalities involved last September, requesting their intervention to ensure compliance with the current regulations.

A response was received from the Island Council, which declined responsibility based on technical reports that were not initially provided. After formally requesting them, they were reviewed in December and stated that the Council does not have accredited technicians and that responsibility lies with the municipalities.

More recently, the municipalities were contacted again to remind them of this responsibility. A response was received from the Mercadal Town Council stating that it requires assistance from the Island Council, as it also lacks qualified technicians. It appears that the situation has returned to the starting point.

Spring has already begun. It would be advisable for private property owners to assume their responsibility in this matter. It is also necessary for institutions to reach an agreement and take action so that we do not face the same situation again this summer.