Tag Archives: Balearic Islands

Amendments for a Coastal Law that sets limits on pressure on the coast

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The draft Balearic Islands Coastal Law does not specify what happens when uses come into conflict with ecological limits. The islands are territories under strong pressure along their coast, with many areas clearly exceeding their limits. Amendments are also included regarding the new attempt to amend the Menorca Biosphere Reserve Law. GOB has submitted amendments during the period in which organisations can do so.

The transfer of various powers to the autonomous community in matters concerning the coast allows the archipelago to regulate coastal management again. This is an opportunity to reduce pressures, restore degraded areas or adapt to the effects of climate change. In GOB’s opinion, the current text of the draft Law is very much focused on planning, organising and managing uses, activities and occupations, but it is not always sufficiently clear what happens when these uses come into conflict with the limits.

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The Port of Maó’s zoning, key to organising its uses

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The Balearic Ports Authority is promoting a new regulation to govern coexistence within the port service area of the Port of Maó. Among the activities it seeks to restrict are swimming in non-marked areas, placing chairs, camping with motorhomes, or eating and drinking inside a vehicle, a practice interpreted by the text as camping. The GOB has submitted a letter requesting a reconsideration of the current zoning.

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The Constitutional Court admits the appeal against the law intended to allow construction on rural land

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The Plenary of the Constitutional Court has decided to admit the appeal lodged against the Balearic law that regulates the so-called “strategic residential projects.” This action has been promoted by different civic entities and has the formal support of more than fifty members of parliament from the Socialist, Sumar/Més and Mixed (Podem) groups, along with the involvement and work of their respective legal teams.

The Balearic Parliament approved Law 4/2025, known as the law on strategic residential projects, which allows the construction of houses on rural land without previous service provision in municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants, as well as on urban and developable land in municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants.

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A dangerous agrarian law for farmers

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The draft Agrarian Law recently published by the Balearic Government could turn against farmers. Promoting economic activities that displace agriculture or removing environmental safeguards that protect soil fertility is not helping farmers—it is using them as an excuse to legislate in favour of other sectors. GOB has submitted objections.

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Addaia marina: the expiry that never comes

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In the Addaia area, bordering the Natural Park and the Natura 2000 zones, an expansion of the existing marina was planned long ago. The project practically foresaw doubling the installations area (see attached image).

The environmental impact assessment received a favourable report in 2015, ten years ago. The GOB has been submitting allegations and appeals at every stage of the process during this period.

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Constitutional appeal against the Law deregulating land use

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A broad social and political alliance has come together to challenge Law 7/2024 of the Balearic Islands, arguing that it poses a serious threat to land protection.

On Thursday, March 13th, a legal appeal will be filed before Spain’s Constitutional Court in Madrid. This initiative has been jointly developed by PSOE, MES, Podemos, and GOB and is now backed by other social organizations and the Civil Society Forum.

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Thursday, February 6: Launch of the “Resilience in the Face of Climate Change” series at Ateneu de Maó

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This February, the Ateneu de Maó will host a series of round table discussions focused on resilience in the face of climate change. Organized by the Ateneu de Maó, Menorca Preservation, and GOB Menorca, this series will explore the ecological concept of resilience through concrete experiences in four key areas: agriculture, forest management, tourism development, and the marine environment. Through presentations, discussions, and open debates, the series will highlight strategies and solutions to tackle climate change effects—especially those that require urgent implementation on an island like Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Pending environmental requirements for Fornells Port

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The renovation of Fornells Port is a delicate balancing act, as all activities related to maritime services take place in an area of great marine value. For this reason, the project was approved with a series of environmental conditions that tend to be repeatedly overlooked. Unfortunately, this is happening once again.

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