Largest nature park

LLEVANT is set to become the largest nature park in Mallorca following a new expansion project approved this week.

The current protected area will be multiplied by 10, thus also making it the largest protected surface in the Balearic Islands.

Regional Environment councillor Miquel Mir announced on Monday February 20 that LLevant nature park will grow from its current 1,658 hectares of land to more than 10,900, plus another 6,190 hectares of protected sea surface.

The move will “restore the park’s dignity” after the former regional government reduced the protected area by 94 per cent in 2002, said Sr Mir.

In addition to the expansion, on Monday the Govern also approved the official regulation document outlining the activities that can and cannot be performed inside the nature park boundaries to “guarantee a balance” between public use and environmental conservation.

Llevant nature park is said to be the only area on the island that is home to the miloca, an endangered bird exclusive to Menorca, along with another 60 species.

The expansion will take in 11 new ecologically valuable areas such as the beaches of Cala Agulla, Cala Torta and Cala Mesquida, plus 116 hectares of sand dunes that play a vital role in protecting the coastline against erosion.