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The Administrative Simplification Bill, pending approval in Parliament for weeks, now faces the harsh reality of climate change, highlighted by the recent tragedies in Valencia. The GOB calls for a suspension of legalization processes in flood-prone areas.
Continue reading Suspend legalization processes in flood-prone areas
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The case of the 9 illegal pools discovered at the Sant Llorenç agritourism adds to the well-known case of the 7 pools at Torre Vella. The striking similarity between these cases suggests a common strategy to bypass environmental regulations through deception.
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Another case has been confirmed involving a rural tourism establishment that, in this instance, has built nine additional pools not included in its approved project. Similar to the well-known Torre Vella case, the authorization had been previously reviewed by the Environmental Commission.
Continue reading 9 extra pools at another rural tourism establishment in Alaior
Views: 59
When faced with several options, we often weigh the pros and cons of each. That is, we consider what we gain by choosing a certain option versus what we lose by rejecting another. Economists call this the opportunity cost.
Sometimes, this calculation is simple and obvious. But other times, it involves more complex factors—like when short-term benefits contradict long-term consequences or when personal gains come at the expense of others or the environment.
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A case of illegal and recurrent tourist rental activity on rural land raises doubts about the effectiveness of current penalties for unauthorized activities of this kind.
This example highlights the need to reflect on the issue of excessive tourism pressure in Menorca. It is becoming clear that strengthening inspections alone will not suffice if the penalties imposed are not significant enough to deter offenders.
More rentals mean more tourism congestion
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Our series of visits to land stewardship farms continues this month! Next Saturday, November 23, we’ll visit Parella Vella, a 12-hectare family farm in Ciutadella with a rich tradition that has embraced a diversified, organic production model.
Continue reading Join us for a Visit to Parella Vella Farm – November 23!
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The GOB is organizing a seminar with two presentations on regenerative aquaculture, set for Saturday, November 30, in Maó.
A new blue economy is taking root in some parts of the world, with positive economic and ecological results: regenerative aquaculture. This approach involves cultivating different species of shellfish and macroalgae together in a single space.
Continue reading Seminar on regenerative aquaculture: an opportunity for the sea
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It seems like the Balearic Government is obsessed with rewarding environmental offenders. The draft law up for discussion in Parliament tomorrow includes new and alarming environmental rollbacks.
Some of the proposed changes from PP-Vox include putting the definition of “general interest” into the hands of each Island Council, making it easier to renovate buildings outside of zoning regulations, and allowing building violations on rural land to be left unpunished after a certain period.
Continue reading The government proposes further unacceptable environmental rollbacks
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This coming Wednesday at 7:30 PM, the GOB’s Maó office will host the presentation of Portfolio 1 – Fotografías e historias de aves extraordinarias [Photographs and Stories of Extraordinary Birds], published by Lynx Nature Books. A work by ornithologist and photographer Rafael Armada, who has published in numerous specialized ornithology magazines. His work has illustrated many publications and has earned him multiple awards and recognitions. Also joining the event will be Alejandra Rendón, author of the texts accompanying the images.
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The Alaior Town Council has granted a license to legalize the pools at the Torre Vella agrotourism site, ignoring the warning from the former Environmental Commission, which argued that environmental violations cannot be retroactively legalized.
Decree Law 3/2024, introduced by the Council last May under the guise of “administrative simplification,” actually modifies over 50 regulations. Among the most controversial changes are the lifting of bans on construction in flood-prone areas and the dissolution of the Environmental Commission. We are now starting to see the results of these changes.
