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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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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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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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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
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With the arrival of autumn, the land stewardship excursions are back! We kick off the season with a visit to one of the newest additions to GOB’s Custòdia Agrària program: Son Blanc Nou, a farm known for its circular model, aiming to produce all the resources it consumes. Participants will have the chance to explore the farm and learn about its agricultural management, followed by a tasting of local products.
Continue reading Excursion to Son Blanc Nou, Saturday, October 26
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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.
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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
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An excessive number of vehicles, overcrowded spaces, water shortages, and increased energy pollution are all consequences of Menorca’s growing touristification. When combined with housing difficulties and a gradual drop in per capita income, it is clear that the island’s tourism model needs rethinking.
On World Tourism Day, the GOB reflects on the growing social unrest in many nearby tourist hotspots.
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The Balearic Government’s Department of Coastal Management and the Alaior City Council are carrying out material dumping and significant land movements on Cala en Porter beach. GOB has requested access to the favorable environmental reports, given that this is a highly protected area.
Continue reading Cala en Porter: a protected beach, yet sacrificed
