SPAIN: WWF LOBBIES TO STOP HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT

WWF Spain, with its local office in Alicante, is lobbying to stop the development of harbours on the coastline of Alicante, because of danger to habitats such as the Posidonia seabeds and to species such as the loggerhead turtle and common dolphin. The province of Alicante has 22 harbours and at least 9 of them are expected to be enlarged, increasing nautical tourism on the Costa Blanca, Southern Spain, and endangering the natural resources that remain.

Moreover, studies show that the fishing stocks and artisanal fisheries would be greatly affected by these development projects.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Miguel Angel Garcia - WWF Alacant - admin@wwf-alicante.org

EC TAKES SPAIN TO COURT OVER BEACHES

The EC recently opened a procedure of infraction against the Spanish Ministry of Environment for restoration and dredging works carried out on beaches listed as Natura 2000 sites, thus violating the EU’s Habitat and Environmental Impact Directives. In 2002, an emergency initiative for the restoration of beaches damaged by storms was undertaken by the Spanish government. However, instead of a well-planned operation that would take into account environmental impacts, the socalled restoration involved dredging the sea bottom for sand to add to beaches, and building new tourism resorts.

Furthermore, sand extraction was carried out in areas listed as Natura 2000 sites and caused extensive damage to meadows of Posidonia seagrass.

Full story on www.panda.org/mediterranean

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Carlos Vallecillo -Communications Officer - WWF Spain - cvallecillo@wwf.es  

More information at the web:

www.wwf-alicante.org    www.wwf.es    www.panda.org