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A sea of knowledge
THE Balearic Islands are taking part in a nationwide marine science and investigation project. Think in Azul is financed by the EU’s Next Generation funds and also includes the participation of Galicia, Andalucia, Cantabria, Murcia, the Valencia Region and the Canary Islands.
The initiative was launched in Mallorca this week and will include the construction of an international submarine observation platform off the coast of Portocolom.
It will provide existing observation systems with new generation technologies and facilities to analyse and predict the responses of marine ecosystems to climate change.
The results will make it possible to adapt environmental management decisions and to create specific technology for tourism and fishing.
The project is also aimed at raising awareness about ocean protection and guaranteeing the sustainability of natural resources.
Regional European Funds, Universities and Culture councillor Miquel Company declared during the presentation Think in Blue will “enable us to reinforce the leadership of our islands in the field of marine sciences and technologies.”
Restrictions to stay
PALMA Town Hall has announced it will not authorise bar and restaurant terraces in the Plaza de La Lonja to close one hour later.
Last week the High Court ruled in favour of establishment owners who were requesting permission to close at midnight on workdays and 12.30am on festive days instead of 11pm, as reported by the Euro Weekly News.
But the council has announced it will not enforce the court verdict until it decides whether or not it will ap peal against the ruling, so in the meantime the terraces must continue to close at 11pm.
The court sentence was met with strong opposition by residents in the area, who demanded that the town hall appeal against it and complained that the authorities were not doing everything in their power to guarantee the neighbours’ right to rest.
Spokespeople for the council insist they will ensure that the time limitation is obeyed.
Conservation gathering
THE Mallorca Preservation Foundation (MAPF) is part of the Conservation Collective (CC) network, which connects organisations from around the world dedicated to addressing local environmental challenges.
The CC network provides support and growth opportunities for its members, offering an annual global gathering that serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and synergybuilding.
This year, the CC gathering took place on the island of Corfu (Greece), hosted by the Ionian Environment Foundation. Representatives from 18 foundations took part in the event including the MAPF, engaging in learning sessions, spotlight presentations and visits to showcase sustainable waste management and conservation work.
During the gathering, MAPF had the opportunity to share the Stellaris project, an endeavour centred around the cultivation of Nursehound a species of catshark in controlled environments.
A momentous occasion was recently attained as a batch of these small sharks was effectively reintroduced into their natural habitat.
