The Balearic government is tightening its measures against unsustainable leisure activities on Mallorca and has sentenced two companies to high fines. These companies had carried out unauthorized commercial activities in nature reserves on the island and must now pay a total fine of 35,000 euros.
Penalties for unauthorized activities in nature reserves
One of the sanctioned companies organized excursions with off-road vehicles in the Llevant Nature Parkfor which it must now pay a fine of 25,000 euros. The second company offered the rental of jet skis in the s'Albufera Nature Park which results in a fine of 10,000 euros. These infringements are classified as serious as they violate the utilization plans (PORN) of the respective nature parks.
The Balearic Minister of Agriculture, Joan Simonet, emphasized that the sanctions show how serious the government is about protecting ecologically important areas. Simonet explained: "Violations in these sensitive regions will not go unpunished."
Increased protection through faster sanctions
Another aim of the government is to impose sanctions more quickly. In the past, many penalties were not enforced in time due to poor management and became time-barred. Director General Anna Torres explained that around 4,000 penalties became time-barred in the previous legislative period under the left-wing government. In order to avoid such failures in the future, the government is planning to increase the number of staff in the sanctions department.
Resistance to buggy tours and jet skis is growing
The government's measures come at a time when there is growing resentment on the island against leisure activities such as buggy tours and jet skiing. These activities, which are aimed almost exclusively at holidaymakers, are causing resentment among locals, particularly due to noise, high speeds and exhaust fumes.
In July, residents of the small village blocked Son Macià a side road near Manacor to stop a buggy tour. The police had to intervene to defuse the situation, but took the details of the buggy providers.
Consistent measures to protect nature
With the latest sanctions, the Balearic government is sending a clear signal against the exploitation of nature reserves for commercial purposes. The island's population is increasingly behind these measures in order to preserve Mallorca's natural treasures.
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