Palma is facing repercussions: reduced deception on the Ballermann
For quite some time now, the "beach decline" issue has been prevalent, even in places like Mallorca where the coastal areas are shrinking. The people, both locals and tourists, have been vocal about the high beach congestion. In response, the Palma town hall has revealed some plans.
In the upcoming summers, the number of sunbeds and parasols available for rent on Mallorca's beaches will decrease. The Palma municipality, which oversees the renowned S'Arenal coastal resort and its famous Ballermann, intends to cut back on the rental of sunbeds and parasols on its five beaches. This decrease in beach space has led to overcrowding, a problem that has been noted by both tourists and locals, as per Palma's mayor, Mercedes Celeste, who was quoted in "Diario de Mallorca" and Spanish radio station "Cadena Ser".
The existing licences for renters were issued many years ago when the Palma beaches were larger, as revealed by the town hall politician in charge of interior and finance matters, who is also their spokesperson. "Today's coastline is dramatically different from what it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago," she stated. "There's less sand than before."
The town hall is currently preparing new tenders based on the current coastline, according to Celeste. In collaboration with other authorities and institutions, not only the issue of overcrowding will be addressed, but other matters as well. For instance, improved beach access will be provided.
Climate change and construction
The "beach decline" has been an ongoing concern for many decades - not just in Mallorca. In various coastal regions such as California and Florida, Turkey, Brazil, and the Gold Coast in Australia, beaches are vanishing. Experts attribute this to the direct construction of coastlines up to the beach. The protective dunes that prevent erosion from wind and sea are often absent.
One factor, as per experts, is climate change. Under the influence of climate change and rising sea levels, "half of the world's sandy beaches could disappear by the end of the century," according to a study published in the journal "Nature Climate Change".
In an effort to address multiple concerns, the new tenders will involve collaboration with other authorities and institutions beyond just addressing overcrowding. This includes improving beach access.
Other coastal regions, like California and Florida, Turkey, Brazil, and the Gold Coast in Australia, have also been experiencing the 'beach decline' issue, partly due to climate change and construction practices that have led to the loss of protective dunes.
