Protect

A PROJECT to improve the resistance of 125 hectares of forest land to climate change throughout the Balearic Islands has been made possible thanks to the EU’s Next Generation funds.

Regional Environment councillor Miquel Mir presented the plans in Alcudia this week, explaining that the project “aims to improve the resistance and resilience of forest masses to environmental disturbances and thus avoid the processes of degradation due to desertification and soil erosion, through actions to improve the vegetation cover,” adding that “at the same time, it seeks to multiply their CO2 capture capacity.”

The bulk of the project will take place in Mallorca, over 78 hectares in Alcudia, Arta, Calvia and Escorca.

Forest areas in the Mediterranean region, and specifically in the Balearic Islands, are particularly vul­

Forests

nerable to the impacts of the current climate crisis. The consequences are very evident in the form of extreme meteorological phenomena, such as prolonged periods of drought, strong wind storms, large forest fires or extreme episodes such as the recent Storm Juliette, which can generate important processes of forest degradation.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

THIS tourism season in Mallorca will be longer and free from overcrowding, according to Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol.

Speaking at the ITB travel fair in Berlin last week, the regional president highlighted the “wonderful moment” the area is going through thanks to eight years of progressive policies and her government’s project for a “regenerative” type of tourism based on environmental sustainability.

Sra Armengol added that the Balearic Islands is a “mature” destination that is working towards ensuring all­year­round tourism, and pointed out that the German travel sector is especially committed to environmentally sustainable travel.

The arrival of €60 million from the EU’s Next Generation funds are expected to further boost the sustainable transition of the islands, with many project proposals already being processed.

Even