Views: 32
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: 30
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.
Views: 35
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
Views: 30
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
Views: 48
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.
Views: 62
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.
Views: 42
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.
Views: 53
The chlorides in the treated water intended for irrigation in Sant Lluís double the maximum permitted levels. Over half of the water reaching the treatment plant may also contain other contaminants. Seven public supply wells could be affected if contamination occurs.
The GOB has submitted objections to the reclaimed water irrigation project that the Balearic Government’s Agriculture Department is promoting in Sant Lluís, warning of its lack of guarantees and the high contamination risks associated with it.
Views: 88
GOB has called on the Menorca Island Council to review the tourist permits granted to 53 buildings that lack recognized urban legality. Such a situation is in direct conflict with the law, and the group requests an official review, as these licenses would likely be considered void or based on declarations that fail to comply with current regulations.
Views: 76
The GOB has identified 23 cases of tourist rentals on rural land in Menorca that are being publicly advertised but do not appear on the official list of authorized establishments from the Insular Council.
Continue reading 23 Unlicensed Tourist Rentals on Rural Land
