Green issues

With much regret I have to report that environmental concerns about the island are being put on the back burner in favour of yet more development on the island. The Balearic government has made it clear that they believe that private investment will help the local economy exit recession. They are also keen to boost the local construction industry which has been hit hard by the recession. Unfortunately, the need to protect unspoilt parts of the island will now take a back seat. This is a great shame. I am not saying that the Balearic government will allow building anywhere but I am sure that “green issues” will not be as important as they once were. Plans have been drawn up for the construction of a new hotel at Sa Rapita which has met with a barrage of criticism from local environmentalists. Five years ago this project would never have been contemplated but now, with the recession, there is a good chance that it could be built. The hotel will create hundreds of new jobs and that it how the project is being sold to the public at the moment. But let us remember that one day the Balearic economy will exit recession and this island needs to retain its unspoilt areas for its future prosperity. This island is known across the world for its beauty and it would be a great shame that developers destroyed yet more countryside. The Balearic government should be on its guard to ensure that the island is protected.