Sunday, September 03, 2006
The Telegraph
Spain is developing into a nightmareBy Fiona Govan in Valencia(Filed: 06/07/2006)
Poor planning, local corruption and the flaunting of EU environmental guidelines are turning Spain's coastline into a "deep ulcer" of urban development that is polluting beaches and poisoning the sea, according to a report yesterday. The swath of holiday homes, hotels and golf courses spreading across popular coasts are rapidly destroying ecosystems the country relies on for tourism and fishing, said the environmental group Greenpeace in a 73-page study.
"The Spanish coastline is defenceless," implored María José Caballero, thecoast campaigner for Greenpeace in Spain, at the publication of the report." Although citizens are increasingly aware of the degradation it is facing, no administration is taking the challenge seriously. "Greenpeace said rapid growth could do long-term damage to the tourism industry, which accounts for more than 10 per cent of the Spanish economy. Up to 12.5 million Britons visit every year and the report said part of the problem is the huge number of second homes being built to meet the demand from foreign investors, with Britons leading the field. An estimated 35 per cent of residences on the Mediterranean coastline are holiday homes, with 70 per cent in some areas, such as Roses and L'Escala onthe Costa Brava. Miss Caballero said yesterday that those considering buying property should think carefully. "It is the responsibility of each person to make a considered decision. Buying a second home in certain areas will contribute to the destruction of the Spanish coastline. It's difficult to enjoy a holiday with that knowledge."
Spain is developing into a nightmareBy Fiona Govan in Valencia(Filed: 06/07/2006)
Poor planning, local corruption and the flaunting of EU environmental guidelines are turning Spain's coastline into a "deep ulcer" of urban development that is polluting beaches and poisoning the sea, according to a report yesterday. The swath of holiday homes, hotels and golf courses spreading across popular coasts are rapidly destroying ecosystems the country relies on for tourism and fishing, said the environmental group Greenpeace in a 73-page study.
"The Spanish coastline is defenceless," implored María José Caballero, thecoast campaigner for Greenpeace in Spain, at the publication of the report." Although citizens are increasingly aware of the degradation it is facing, no administration is taking the challenge seriously. "Greenpeace said rapid growth could do long-term damage to the tourism industry, which accounts for more than 10 per cent of the Spanish economy. Up to 12.5 million Britons visit every year and the report said part of the problem is the huge number of second homes being built to meet the demand from foreign investors, with Britons leading the field. An estimated 35 per cent of residences on the Mediterranean coastline are holiday homes, with 70 per cent in some areas, such as Roses and L'Escala onthe Costa Brava. Miss Caballero said yesterday that those considering buying property should think carefully. "It is the responsibility of each person to make a considered decision. Buying a second home in certain areas will contribute to the destruction of the Spanish coastline. It's difficult to enjoy a holiday with that knowledge."
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