Tag Archives: Tourism

Platges de Fornells, no water for more villas and hotels

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In the development of Platges de Fornells, procedures have begun to allow the construction of 116 villas and 297 hotel beds. During the environmental assessment phase, GOB has written to the Balearic Government to warn that there is no water available in the aquifer.

This development in the north of Menorca started its procedures in 1969, when it was declared a National Tourism Interest Centre by the Francoist Ministry of Tourism. Construction began in the 1980s, and the Island Territorial Plan of 2003 redefined its configuration, as happened with many other planned tourist growths.

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Via Menorca denounces environmental misconduct threatening aquifers

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With the recently created Hiking Group for the Detection of Territorial Messes (GEDET for short, in Catalan), the new Via Menorca campaign has started today with the first of the excursions planned for this winter.

Around 200 people set out to walk a route of contrasts. The preservation of the first kilometers along the Camí de Cavalls has clashed with the detection of three unprecedented damages, located in three agrotourism establishments close to each other, in the municipality of Alaior.

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Gratitude and recognition for Cala en Busquets

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The organisations promoting the Platform in Defence of Cala en Busquets wish to express our gratitude for the support received in recent weeks, both from individuals and from other organisations that have encouraged us to raise our voices publicly against the dry marina project.

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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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Housing and tourist pressure, two related problems

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Access to housing has become a problem in recent years in Menorca. Addressing this important social challenge is an increasingly urgent need, and data and reflection are required to take steps in the right direction.

In this note, based on official data, some of the variables most closely related to the situation are analyzed.

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GOB calls for transparency in the Territorial Plan

Views: 439

Last week, a round table on the Island Territorial Plan was held at the Ateneu de Maó. The two rooms of the venue were filled. The event was recorded, and the session has already exceeded a thousand views.

These figures show the great public interest generated by the attempt to make a punctual modification of this instrument, which is one of the main foundations of Menorca’s distinctive model.

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Come to the Island Territorial Plan plenary session on Monday, September 15th, at 10 am

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Next Monday, September 15th, an extraordinary plenary session on the Island Territorial Plan will be held at the Island Council of Menorca. At 10 in the morning. Everyone who is concerned about the future of the island and is available at that time should attend the hall in Biosfera square, Maó.

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Thinking about the blaze

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Some species of pines have cones that remain closed for years, only opening when the temperature is very high. They store seeds that will burst out in case of fire and remain fertile afterwards.

In this way, the tree has developed a specific mechanism to increase the survival of its species. The pine coexists well with heat, but it is also prepared for when there is excessive blaze.

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Nautical activity and marine fauna

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On August 16, near the beach of Binibèquer, an adult sea turtle appeared dead with a large cut on its shell. Some people towed the body to shore.

The protocol was activated by calling 112 and the animal was collected for an autopsy. The turtle’s body clearly showed a prominent fracture in the posterior part of the shell, an injury very likely caused by a collision with a boat propeller. At sea, there are few things that can cause a break of this size in the back of a sea turtle, and due to the large dimension of the break and the clean, linear cut it showed, the staff of the Recovery Center ruled out that it was due to a shark attack.

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The main water consumers, a priority for inspections

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The GOB wishes to thank the joint action carried out by the Civil Guard and Water Resources to close an illegal well that extracted 40 tonnes of water daily at a rural hotel in Alaior. Ending the feeling of total impunity that has been observed in water abuse cases is essential for Menorca to have a future outlook on this issue.

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