09/11/2004 00:00
TW
0
By Humphrey Carter THE proposed theme park which is to be built in Calvia is about to run into opposition from local residents and environmentalists. Despite unanimous support for the project from residents in Son Ferrer, where the theme park is expected to be built, local environment GOB, neighbourhood associations and a few youth groups have got together to form an anti-theme park movement.


Yesterday, GOB explained that the first step taken by the new pressure group will be to launch an awareness campaign informing people about the consequences and impact the project will apparently have on Calvia.

Opponents to the theme park claim that the project “has no use and is out of place” in Calvia.
According to GOB, the area which has been purchased in Son Ferrer, “is beautiful countryside, the kind of which there is little left in Calvia. “The park will also bring an end to the peace and tranquility of the area, reducing the quality of life,” GOB said in an official statement.
The environmentalists are also concerned about the high consumption of natural resources, especially water and that the park will lead to a sharp rise in traffic passing through the area.

The theme park project has, however, been designed with the co-operation of some of the world's leading environmental companies.
It will, for example, have its own water recycling and treatment plant.
The theme park developers encountered tough local opposition when it initially opted for a much larger site near Inca.
However, since then, the size of the project has been scaled down, by nearly two-thirds, and given a new focus; the history and the culture of the Balearics after months of consulation with local communities and business.

The new project for the park, which has the full support of Calvia council, the Balearic government, hoteliers, tour operators, and the tourist industry because of the jobs it will create and all-year tourism in will attract, is expected to be made public later this month.