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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
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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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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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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.
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400 million years ago, much was already happening on Earth. Vast land masses, quite different from the continents we know today, were releasing sediments that would drift into the sea. Imagine tiny particles of clay, carried by wind or rain, slowly sinking and layering on top of each other over eons.
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In February 2023, Spain approved the Maritime Spatial Plans (MSP) to regulate various marine activities across the country, including renewable energy installations. These plans designated two areas north of Menorca (LEBA 2 and LEBA 3) as the only spaces in the Balearic Islands where offshore wind projects could be developed.
This year, a French company introduced the “Gregal Offshore Wind Project,” planned for the LEBA 2 area. GOB Menorca has sent a report to the Ministry of Ecological Transition with several considerations.
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Commenting on a sensitive topic always has its risks, yet advancing environmental issues has never been easy.
For weeks, there has been an ongoing discussion about the water crisis in Maó, stemming from the failure to notify citizens when an excess of nitrates was detected in the municipal water supply. The political cost of this incident is clear, with resignations, an extraordinary council meeting, and the launch of further investigations. Many are watching closely.
For these reasons, the GOB waited a few days before discussing the broader consequences of this water crisis: the economic, environmental, and social uncertainties it brings.
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This summer has been one of the most impacted by nautical overcrowding. Various accidents in the Balearic Islands, caused by the high density of boats and the behavior of some vessels, have increased the sense of vulnerability among those who want to safely enjoy the marine environment.
Most users of the coast don’t rely on motorized vessels. They are swimmers, snorkelers, surfers, or kayakers, and they feel threatened by an overwhelmed coastline.
GOB has submitted objections to the “Preliminary Draft Law for the Integral Management and Regulation of the Balearic Islands’ Coastline.” This legislative proposal by the Balearic Government raises several questions that need to be addressed.
Continue reading Rationalizing coastal management for its improvement
