Tag Archives: Tourism

The Menorca Beyond

Views: 67

We are prisoners of the social moment in which we happen to live. At the end of the Franco regime, there was a strong desire for change, to break free from that barracks-like atmosphere. Everyone imagined a different reality, a different kind of society, with more breathable air. Now that we have freedom, a globalized economy, and countless whims within reach, it is harder to look beyond the wall.

Continue reading The Menorca Beyond

New call to curb touristic overcrowding in Menorca

Views: 84

A huge thank you to the more than 500 people who gathered in the streets of Maó to demand a change of course for our island.

Every April, as the tourist season begins, we witness the same spiral of resource consumption, overcrowding, and traffic congestion from tourist vehicles. Our protest campaigns continue because, even after another year, we are still waiting for effective action from the Island Council of Menorca to prevent a growing collapse.

Continue reading New call to curb touristic overcrowding in Menorca

Objections to jet ski project at Sant Tomàs beach

Views: 39

Jet skis are the basis of an activity that frequently generates complaints. They tend to be noisy, can pose a danger to swimmers, and have a high potential to impact the marine environment. GOB has submitted objections to a facility currently under administrative review, planned for installation in front of Sant Tomàs beach.

Continue reading Objections to jet ski project at Sant Tomàs beach

Meeting between environmental organisations and the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy

Views: 62

The organisations SOS Costa Brava, Ecologistas en Acción, SOS Mar Menor and GOB recently met in Madrid with the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Gustavo Santana, to express our shared concern about the growing impacts of nautical overcrowding along the entire Spanish coastline.

During the meeting, it was made clear that the main cause of this situation is the excessive number of recreational boats operating without control or oversight. In recent years, in the most saturated areas, this reality has led to an increase in unsafe conditions along the coastal strip, with concerning episodes such as collisions between boats, accidents involving swimmers, risks during sports activities, and severe impacts on marine ecosystems.

Continue reading Meeting between environmental organisations and the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy

On Menorca’s tourism carrying capacity

Views: 104

Recently, details have emerged about the study on tourism carrying capacity commissioned by the Consell Insular de Menorca. The study proposes increasing the number of tourist accommodations across the island, including in traditional towns, tourist areas, and even rural land.

This is a serious concern, as the study is being used to justify lifting the current tourism moratorium. The GOB has released an initial response highlighting key issues.

Continue reading On Menorca’s tourism carrying capacity

Appeal to enforce environmental conditions in Fornells Port

Views: 88

The redevelopment of Fornells Port, which includes an increase in the number of moorings, is subject to environmental conditions that remain unresolved. The installation of ecological buoys in nearby coves, as well as the delimitation and management of the anchoring zone, has no foreseeable execution in the short term. In response, GOB has submitted an appeal to the Posidonia Committee and Ports IB.

Continue reading Appeal to enforce environmental conditions in Fornells Port

Letter to the irritated President

Views: 39

Mr. Vilafranca,

Following the protest organized by GOB at the Plenary Session of the Island Council, you made statements that hardly seem fitting for an institutional president.

It is likely that your words were influenced by the tension of seeing dozens of people express their disagreement with the proposals your team brought to the session. In any case, we would like to offer a few comments.

Continue reading Letter to the irritated President

Proposals for a safer coastline

Views: 85

A group of organizations from across Spain—including Alianza Mar Menor, Ecologistas en Acción, Fundación Juan Tábara, GEN-GOB, GOB Mallorca, GOB Menorca, Mallorca Blue, Pacto por el Mar Menor, Salvemos Calblanque, SOS Costa Brava, and SOS Mar Menor—have joined forces to urge the Spanish government to update maritime traffic regulations.

Continue reading Proposals for a safer coastline