POLLENÇA_16_INTERIOR.qxp 04/08/2009 15:56 Página 37
INTERVIEW
ment has been able to meet the need for a greater number of places to moor in the ports managed by the Community by creating new and improved port facilities that have quality, are modern and sustainable and blend in with the environment. The increased number of moorings has been achieved mainly in two ways: the direct creation of new moorings and the reorganization of those that already existed, along with the proper regulation of waiting lists, a subject that was pending that we have already started to resolve in many ports. All this was done without projects that cause a great impact or enormous work on the infrastructure.” How can there be more moorings without work that causes a great impact? “The system that we have adopted for improving the moorings available has been characterized by a desire to protect the natural environment and not to permit the creation of new ports or great expansion. In fact, what has been done is to encourage the improvement and optimization of the surface area of water already available in the ports and making a commitment to sustainable development. In parallel with increasing the number of moorings available, we have worked on improving the services provided, mainly safety measures, fire fighting equipment and remodelling obsolete facilities. New floating pontoons have been installed for seasonal users.” How many moorings are we talking about? “Since the start of this legislature, the number of moorings available has increased by a total of 942 new places, of which 574 correspond to ports directly managed by the council - 362 on Majorca, 146 on Menorca and 66 on Ibiza - and 368 in ports that are indirectly managed - 53 in Majorca, 105 in Menorca and 210 on Ibiza. 90% of all these moorings are floating and can be disassembled.” What is the aim of the floating, removable pontoons? “The aim of these actions is to meet and provide an effective response to the increased demand for moorings during the high season and to reduce the practice of boats mooring illegally on our coasts. This also protects the Poseidonia on our sea beds and offers users more safety.” What will happen to the current concessions? “We will continue to review the concessions, with the twin objectives of increasing income from fees and making significant investments in improving yacht club facilities.” The Council for the Environment created the General Directorate for the Sea. Why? “Because we cannot forget that we are islands and the fact that we are surrounded by the sea has determined and continues to determine our lives completely, above all with regard to transport and, especially during the last few decades, the tourist economy that we have developed. It is precisely because of tourism that we must keep the sea in good condition. In parallel, this same tourist activity has generated intense activity related to the sea, such as diving. All this must be regulated by the Autonomous Community.” As well as regulations, what other actions are envisaged in relation to the sea? “We must also publicize our maritime heritage and inform residents and visitors of the importance and the wealth of our maritime history and the strong links that we have always had with the sea. Out of this came the development of the Aula de la Mar (Sea Classroom) and the idea of creating the Museum of the Sea, a topic that has been pending in our area for too long. Another intended action, in line with what has been said before, is to create and equip a Diving Office to organize, control and foster the practice of sports diving and the knowledge of the seabed.” Reial Club Nàutic
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Invierno: abierto viernes, sábado y vísperas de fiestas
Port de Pollença
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